Prayers

(This prayer is read before reading Holy Scripture and the Lives of the Saints) Lord Jesus Christ, teacher of wisdom, I pray Thee, open the eyes of my heart, that I may hear Thy word and understand it, and do Thy holy will revealed therein to us sinful and foolish people. Lord God my Savior, since Thou hast come to earth to seek and save the lost, hide not from me Thy commandments, for I too perish in the darkness of ignorance of Thy law: but open the eyes of my mind that I may understand the wonders of Thy teaching, and tell me the unknown and hidden things of Thy wisdom. In Thee I trust, my God, that with the light of Thy knowledge Thou wilt enlighten my mind and understanding, that I may not only read what is written but also do it. I pray Thee, and with tears falling before Thee I cry: Lord, enlighten me, teach me, give me understanding, that I may read Thy holy word and the Lives of Thy Saints not unto sin, but unto renewal and enlightenment, unto the sanctification and salvation of my soul, and unto the inheritance of eternal life. Amen.