14

A Song of Penitence

Kyrie Pantokrator

Prayer of Manasseh 1-2, 4, 6-7, 11-15

Especially suitable in Lent, and on other penitential occasions

O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, *God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of all their righteous offspring:

You made the heavens and the earth, *with all their vast array.

All things quake with fear at your presence; *they tremble because of your power.

But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; *it surpasses all that our minds can fathom.

O Lord, you are full of compassion, *long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.

You hold back your hand; *you do not punish as we deserve.

In your great goodness, Lord, you have promised forgiveness to sinners, *that they may repent of their sin and be saved.

And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, *and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, *and I know my wickedness only too well.

Therefore I make this prayer to you: *Forgive me, Lord, forgive me.

Do not let me perish in my sin, *nor condemn me to the depths of the earth.

For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, *and in me you will show forth your goodness.

Unworthy as I am, you will save me, in accordance with your great mercy, *and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life.

For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, *and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.