Have mercy on me a sinner

by St. Nonnus.

Lord God, have mercy on me a sinner.

I am not worthy to stand before Thee, seeing that I have never tried to embellish my soul for Thy presence.

What that prostitute accomplished in a single day in beautifying herself surpasses everything I have ever achieved during all the years of my life. How can I have the face to look upon Thee, my God?

I do not know what words to use in the attempt to justify myself in Thy presence, Lord. What excuse have I before Thee, seeing that all my hidden secrets are laid open before Thee?

No, alas for me the sinner who, as I enter the threshold of Thy sacred temple and appear before Thy glorious altar, have failed to offer the beauty in my soul that Thou wants.

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