Prayer from the East Syrian Orthodox Offices
Strengthen, O our Lord and our God, our weakness in thy compassion, and comfort and help the wants of our soul in thy loving kindness; waken the sleep of our thoughts and lighten the weight of our limbs. Illuminate the darkness of our minds, and stretch forth your arm and confirm us, and give us strength and a helping hand, so we may arise and confess and glorify you, without ceasing all the days of our life, Lord of all. Amen.
Breath Meditation Practice
Take some deep breaths: In through the nose, out through the mouth, three at least or more. As your mind wanders, return your focus to the breath.
Saturday Reading
Proverbs 3: 1–6
My child, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of both God and people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to them,
and God will make your paths straight.
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Prayer for Loved Ones
Take a minute (more if you like) to simply name your loved ones. Practice not over-thinking. Just naming. Focus on your feeling of love for each one.
Closing: Prayer from the East Syrian Orthodox Offices
As a breath prayer. On the in breath: Waken the sleep of my thoughts. On the out breath: Lighten the weight of my limbs. If you like, pick another line to return to through the day.
Strengthen, O our Lord and our God, our weakness in thy compassion, and comfort and help the wants of our soul in thy loving kindness; waken the sleep of our thoughts and lighten the weight of our limbs. Illuminate the darkness of our minds, and stretch forth your arm and confirm us, and give us strength and a helping hand, so we may arise and confess and glorify you, without ceasing all the days of our life, Lord of all. Amen.
Benediction
Go in peace: wash your hands, love your neighbor, you are not alone.