ANOTHER PRAYER BY THE SAME AUTHOR
A O long-suffering and everlasting King, who didst lift the condemnation born of the tree by being raised upon a tree, and didst manifest Thyself as an example of long-suffering to those who choose to follow in Thy footsteps, Thou who didst offer intercession to the co-eternal Father even for those God-defying men who nailed Thee to the cross; O Lover of mankind, O Lord, forgive those by whom we are held in aversion, or who plot against us, or insult us, or calumniate us, or bear us envy, or in any way whatsoever, through the wiles and outrages of the devil who rejoices in hatred, hate and turn away from us. Forgive them the sin of their insolence toward us; turn their intentions from malice to moderation. Inspire their hearts with love, devoid of all guile and hypocrisy. Bind them to us with indissoluble bonds of spiritual goodwill, and by whatever means Thou knowest, make them partakers of Thy pure and sincere life. As for those who love us, or who minister to our bodily needs for the sake of Thy holy name, repay them with Thy rich gifts, and deem them worthy of the lot of faithful and prudent stewards. And to those who, mindful of our infirmity with good intentions, pray on our behalf, or intercede on our behalf, grant Thy bountiful grace. To those who have enjoined upon our miserable unworthiness to pray for them, provide the things that are beneficial; grant their petitions for salvation, and send down upon them Thy rich mercies and Thy deep compassions. Have mercy, O compassionate Lord, upon all who trust in Thee; draw all men to Thy divine love. Watch B over all and defend them and receive them, and make us, sinners and useless servants, heirs of Thy kingdom. For Thine it is to have mercy and to save us, our God, for Thine is the power, unto the ages. Amen.
OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, BASIL: A DISCOURSE ON THE INSTRUCTION OF PRIESTS
D Take heed to thyself, O priest, and look to the ministry which thou hast received, that thou mayest fulfill it with the fear of God. Look, then; for it is not a terrestrial ministry that hath been entrusted to thee, but a heavenly one; not a human, but an angelic one; strive to show thyself a workman