During my last trip to Egypt, I picked up a book called "The Seven Weekly Prayers... from the writings of the saintly fathers." It's a book compiled by the monks of St. Mary's Monastery (the Syrian), dedicating a prayer for each day of the week from the writings of the church fathers. The book isn't that big, but I quickly found it to be an invaluable addition to my library. I was especially touched by the following excerpts. Enjoy the spiritual gems...
I stand with the disciples to extend my feet in the water for Your blessed hand to take them and wash me, that I may be purified and have an inheritance with You. I stand with You in the house of the high priest to receive the insults and shame that You receive because of me. My sins and slips are the reason You stand as a defendant, You who judge all people! I go out with You to the Romans who insulted and beat You, to receive in Your place even the spit that falls on Your great, pure and shining face, for it is my face that indeed deserves this spitting, and not Your face, O Lord of heaven and earth. I bend my back to the whips to receive even a few of the bitter and painful whip lashes, for they are not a result of Your sins, my Lord. I marvel and wonder how Your angels stood confused at Your mercy, waiting for the signal to burn the whole world if You wanted, but You did not want. Instead, You poured Your mercy on those who crucified You. (Emphasis added) - The Spiritual Elder
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Grant us, O Lord, as You have asked of Your Father - make us one in You as You are One in Your Father, that we may be one, with You, in the Father. One in love that we may love all people as You have loved us. One in patience that we may be patient in all of life's afflictions, just as You have endured them. One in hope that we may hope for life while we're on the cross or in the darkness of the grave. One in faith that we may believe in order to see the glory of God. - The Spiritual Elder
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Oh Lord, You save me with Your mercy, not because of my deeds, for my deeds are evil, and not because of my thoughts, for my thoughts are impure. If, my Master, you plan to debate with me, I am defeated before You. I write my judgment with my own hands and I admit and confess that I deserve death. But I seek refuge in Your mercy and flee from You to You! - Other Saintly Fathers
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Your mercy, O Lord, precedes our supplication and is more than what we ask for. Behold, the debtor has asked for some time to repay the debt, but out of Your mercy, You dissolved his debt. Behold, the prodigal son said, "I will return to my Father, tell Him that I have sinned, and ask Him to take me as a servant in His house for I have taken my inheritance and squandered it." But, out of Your mercy, You received him and gave him a new inheritance, more than all his brethren. Behold, the thief asked that You remember him in Your kingdom, but You took him there with You, not only to be remembered, but to live there with You! - Other Saintly Fathers
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Now is the time of my repentance. O Lord, through Your love, give me acceptance before You. Yes, grant me to love You although I am not worthy of this love, hear my prayers although I'm a sinner, and answer my prayers with Your mercy for among the dead, no one remembers You, and after the grave there is no repentance or regret. - Other Saintly Fathers
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Through the intercessions of the pure Virgin St. Mary and all the saints on my behalf, O Lord, write my name in the book of life. Amen. - Other Saintly Fathers
