Prayer before the Gospel

Illumine our hearts, O Master who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge; 


and open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings; 


implant in us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee: 


for Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we give glory, together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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