Page 51 - Prayer Book
P. 51
Ι Heard You…
51
alas
Christ, forgive me, I have committed a great sin.
I learned that some people who had hurt me
suffered misfortune and fell ill.
And when I heard about it,
I felt joy instead of compassion,
instead of praying for a miracle
so they could be well!
Let me remember that we are all sinners,
perhaps I had hurt them first,
and in my demonic insensitivity, I did not realize it!
And instead of kneeling and begging for forgiveness
because I started the game of mutual destruction,
I rejoiced in their misfortune,
and with complete spiritual insensitivity
I forgot my own great sin, my own greater
responsibility!
Lord, forgive me! I am terrible!
Tell me how to atone for this wickedness of mine!
What should I do, Lord, to be punished?
Should I fast strictly? Should I do prostrations?
Should I hold a vigil?
Should I leave it in Your hands to punish
and correct me as You see fit?
