Orthodox prayer · Evening
Evening Prayer of St. John of Damascus
The traditional English text, as prayed in the Prosfora daily prayer rule. It is part of the evening prayer rule in Prosfora (included from the 10-minute rule).
Said pointing at the bed.
O Master, Lover of mankind, is this bed to be my grave, or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day? Behold, the grave lieth before me; behold, death standeth before me.
I fear, O Lord, Thy judgment and the endless torments, yet I cease not to do evil. Thee, O Lord my God, I anger continually, and Thy most pure Mother, and all the heavenly powers, and my holy Guardian Angel.
I know, O Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love for mankind, but worthy of every condemnation and torment. But, O Lord, whether I will it or not, save me. For if Thou shouldest save the righteous, it were no great thing; and if Thou shouldest have mercy on the pure, it were nothing wondrous, for they are worthy of Thy mercy. But show the wonder of Thy mercy upon me, a sinner; in this reveal Thy love for mankind, lest my wickedness prevail over Thine ineffable goodness and mercy; and order my life as Thou wilt.
Enlighten mine eyes, O Christ God, lest at any time I sleep unto death; lest at any time mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him.
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