Ephraim the Syrian to the Mother of God

Sorrow on me, beloved! That I, unapt and reluctant in my will abide, and behold winter has come upon me, and the infinite tempest has found me naked and spoiled and with no perfecting of good in me. I marvel at myself, O beloved, how I daily default, and daily do repent; I build up for an hour, and an over overthrows what I have builded.

At evening I say, tomorrow I will repent, but when morning comes, joyous I waste the day. Again at evening I say, I shall keep vigil all night and I shall entreat the Lord to have mercy on my sins. But when night is come I am full of sleep.

Behold, those who received their talent along with me, strive by day and night to trade with it, that they may win the word of praise and rule ten cities. But I in my sloth hid mine in the earth and my Lord makes haste to come, and behold my heart, and I weep the day of my negligence and know not what excuse to bring.

Have mercy upon me, Thou who alone art without sin, and save me, who alone art pitiful and kind.