Patristic Quote of the Day

Woe is me, O Lord!  Thy grace draws me toward life, but I instead prefer death.  Thou takest pains that I might become as honorable as the angels; but I, in my depravity, debase myself.  My sins have multiplied, O Lord, and ceaselessly do they multiply, and there is no limit to their multitude.  And who will mourn for me or pray for me?  Do Thou, O my Savior, Thyself condescend to have mercy on me through Thy grace and regard me who despair with compassion!  -- St. Ephraim the Syrian, A Spiritual Psalter #54