Prayer Before Sleep

<title>Prayer Before Sleep</title>
<h1>Prayer Before Sleep</h1>
<pre>
O Master Who lovest mankind,
is this bed to be my coffin?
Or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day?
Behold: before me lies the coffin, before me stands death!
O Lord, I fear Thy judgment and the endless torments,
yet I cease not to do evil.
I always anger Thee, my Lord God,
and Thy most pure Mother,
all the heavenly hosts and my holy Guardian Angel.
I know, Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love for mankind.
Indeed, I am worthy of every condemnation and torment.
Yet, Lord, save me whether I want it or not!
When Thou savest the righteous, it is no great thing.
When Thou hast mercy on the pure, it causes no wonder,
for they are worthy of Thy mercy.
Astound us with Thy mercy towards me, a sinner.
Reveal in this manner Thy love for mankind,
that my wickedness may not overcome
Thine inexpressible goodness and mercy.
As Thou wilt, order my life!


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        Saint John of Damascus
</pre>