Book Cover with Byzantine Icon By Wikipedia Loves Art participant “Opal_Art_Seekers_4” [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Most holy God,
we pray and beseech you,
give each of us a pure heart
and a way of speaking
that befits the faith we profess;
powers of reasoning unhindered by passions,
conduct that becomes those who fear you,
and perfect knowledge of your commandments;
may we enjoy health
in body and in spirit.
Grant us a life of peace,
genuine faith and living hope,
sincere charity and bountiful generosity,
patience that knows no bounds
and the light of your truth
to proclaim your goodness to us,
that for ever and in all things
placing our trust only in you
we may abound in every good work,
and that in Christ
your gifts may increase
in every soul.
from The Barberini Codex, 8th Century document of Byzantine prayers
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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
And be thankful.
prayer & verse 
