If you are in search of a meaningful Lenten prayer, you might consider one that has been around since the 4th century and attributed to a Doctor of the Church, St. Ephrem the Syrian. It contains the very essence of the Lenten spirit and is recited twice a day (from Monday through Friday) by Orthodox Christians. The worshiper makes the sign of the cross and a “metany” (a prostration) at the end of each petition, bowing 12 times and repeating:“O God, cleanse me, a sinner.” Finally, the entire prayer is recited once again with the final prostration and the sign of the cross at the end..

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