Prayers of St. John Chrysostom Before reading the Holy Bible

Prayers of St. John Chrysostom Before reading the Holy Bible

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, that I may hear Your word and understand and do Your will, for I am a sojourner upon the earth. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of Your law. Speak unto me the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom. On You do I set my hope, O my God, that You will enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Your knowledge, not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them; that in reading the lives and sayings of the Saints I may not sin, but that such may serve for my restoration, enlightenment and sanctification, for the salvation of my soul, and the inheritance of life everlasting. For You are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good deed and every gift. Amen. 2. Illumine my heart, O Master who loves mankind, with the pure light of Your divine knowledge. Open the eyes of my mind to the understanding of Your Gospel teachings. Implant also in me a love for Your blessed commandments. Grant me the grace to overcome all my carnal desires, so that I may enter more completely into a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well pleasing to You. For You are the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto You do we ascribe glory, together with Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit; now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.