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which there is no measure; Who grantest to us sleep for rest from our
infirmities, and relaxation from the labours of our much-toiling flesh. We
thank Thee that Thou hast not destroyed us with our iniquities, but hast
shown Thy loving-kindness to man as usual, and while we were lying in
despair upon our beds, Thou hast raised us up that we might glorify Thy
dominion. Wherefore, we implore Thy boundless goodness: Enlighten the
eyes of our understanding and raise up our mind from the heavy sleep of
indolence; open our mouth and fill it with Thy praise, that we may be able
steadily to hymn and confess Thee, Who art God glorified in all and by all,
the unoriginate Father, with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-holy
and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos:
I sing of thy grace, O Sovereign Lady, and I pray thee to grace my mind.
Teach me to step aright in. the way of Christ's commandments.
Strengthen me to keep awake in song, and drive away the sleep of despon-
dency.
O Bride of God, by thy prayers release me, bound with the bonds of sin.
Guard me by night and by day, and deliver me from foes that defeat me.
O bearer of God the Life-giver, enliven me who am deadened by passions.
O bearer of the unwaning Light, enlighten my blinded soul.
O marvellous palace of the Master, make me to be a house of the Divine
Spirit.