We implore you, Father of the only-begotten, 

    Lord of the universe,

        the one who has crafted all creatures,

        the maker of things that have been made.

 

We stretch out clean hands, 

    and we unfold our thoughts to you, Lord.

Have compassion, spare, benefit, improve and multiply us 

    in virtue, faith and knowledge.

 

Visit us, O Lord.

We display our own weaknesses to you.

Have mercy and pity on us all.

Lift up this people, and make us gentle and sober-minded.

Cleanse us and set us apart to worship you rightly.

 

Send your Holy Spirit into our minds

    and give us grace to learn the Scriptures

    and to properly interpret their meaning,

        that others may be encouraged 

  through your only-begotten Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit,

    through whom and to you be glory and strength

    both now and to all the ages of the ages, Amen.

 

Serapion Scholasticus, 300-360, Egyptian Monk and Bishop

 

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But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.