Ephrem the Syrian

Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306 – 373) was a Syriac deacon, prolific Syriac-language hymn writer and theologian of the 4th century. He is venerated by Christians, and especially Syriac Christians, as a saint.

Quotes

 * The hutzpah of our love is pleasing to you, O Lord, just as it pleased you that we should steal from your bounty.
 * Hymns on Faith 16:5


 * O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of sloth, vain curiosity, lust for power and idle talk, but give to me, Thy servant, a spirit of soberness, humility, patience and love. O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother: for blessed art Thou to the ages of ages. Amen. O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
 * "Prayer of Ephrem" as translated in The Lenten Triodion (1978) by Mother Mary and Archimandrite Kallistos Ware, p. 69
 * Variant translations:
 * O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of sloth, vain curiosity, lust for power and idle talk, but give to me, your servant, a spirit of soberness, humility, patience and love. O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother: for you are blessed for ever and ever. Amen. O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
 * As translated in Who's Holding the Umbrella (1984) by William E. Yaeger, p. 70


 * Thy possessions have made thee a hollow image; they have ruined thee and left thee.
 * in A Spiritual Psalter (2004), p. 267