service files weekday_vespers3.md

WEEKDAY VESPERS

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion. Same.**

ON SUNDAY EVENING

Lord, I have cried, **Prosomia of the Lord.**

Tone 4. As noblest of Martyrs.

Come wretched soul, utterly profane, fall down before God and cry with fervent tears, ‘I have sinned’. Make the Judge merciful before the end and cry out to him from the heart, ‘My God, do not reject my groans, do not disregard the breaking of my heart, O Lord of infinite compassion’.

By night and day the all-evil enemy makes war on me and does not stop ensnaring me. He drags me to destruction, to deep pits of wickedness; but as you alone are good, my Jesu, rescue me from his tyranny and from every constraint, and save me, O supremely good, from punishments of many kinds.

I have become a dwelling-place of thoughts which afflict me and alienate me from you, my Master. I have set aside your commandments, I have never wanted to do your will; but be well-pleased to dwell in me, O Lord, through the multitude of your mercy, and teach me to do your will, for you are good and love humankind.

Of the Bodiless Powers. The same melody.

You prepared the armies and godlike ranks of the Angels as acceptable dwellings and all honoured vessels of the divine radiance, to contemplate your glory and to stand around your throne, as with strength they powerfully fulfil your word, and diligently perform your commands, O Lover of humankind.

Wishing to reveal yourself, who are without beginning, as an ocean of loving-kindness, you first created by your all-powerful will and your divine command the choirs of Angels and the ranks of Powers; for truly it was necessary for the good to be outpoured and to journey forth, and for your gifts to be multiplied, O Master.

Six-winged Seraphim, many-eyed Cherubim and exalted Thrones attend you, sharing directly in your light-giving radiance. Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Archangels, Angels and divine Powers hymn your glory as they intercede with you on our behalf.

As you have gained unsleeping intercession and abiding advocacy with the Lord, All-pure Maiden, put to sleep the temptations of my wretched soul, calm its waves and comfort my heart in its affliction, I beseech you, and give grace to my mind that I may fittingly glorify you.