Prayer during the Fast

Prayer during the Great Fast
Fasting without prayer is just a “diet” and of no spiritual benefit at all.
At the very least use the Prayer of St. Ephraim every day during the Fast.

O Lord and Master of my life!Take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling,lust of power and idle talk.
Make one prostration
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Make one prostration
Yea, O Lord and King!Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages.
Make one prostration
O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
Say 12 times with bows
Then say the entire prayer again with only one prostration at the end


This should be done privately in your own room as your own offering to God. Do not prostrate unless you can be sure of being able to get up again afterwards!
If you have children teach them how to pray this prayer together with you, so that you make a family offering to God every day of the Great Fast.
Do it before you eat together. It is much more difficult on a full stomach.
Apart from this do not be too adventurous, rather persevere in your daily prayer routine and keep to it.