Pierce Our Souls with Your Love

O God and Lord of the Powers, 

and Maker of all creation, 

Who, because of your clemency 

and incomparable mercy, 

sent your Only-Begotten Son 

and our Lord Jesus Christ 

for the salvation of mankind, 

and with His venerable Cross 

tore asunder the record of our sins, 

and thereby conquered the rulers and powers of darkness; 

receive from us sinful people, O merciful Master, 

these prayers of gratitude and supplication, 

and deliver us from every destructive and gloomy transgression, 

and from all visible and invisible enemies who seek to injure us. 

Nail down our flesh with fear of you, 

and let not our hearts be inclined to words or thoughts of evil, 

but pierce our souls with your love, 

that ever contemplating you, 

being enlightened by you, 

and discerning you, 

the unapproachable and everlasting Light, 

we may unceasingly render confession and gratitude to you: 

The eternal Father, with your Only-Begotten Son, 

and with your All-Holy, Gracious, 

and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

(a prayer of St. Basil; photo by Roman Kraft via unsplash.com)