"To heal the great wounds of our soul"

Today in the Byzantine Church is the first day of the Great Fast (Lent). Below is the ambon prayer from the Divine Liturgy on Cheesefare Sunday (the day before the fast begins). It is a beautiful prayer asking for God's grace as we begin this time of time of intensified prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

"We thank you, O Lord Jesus Christ, that you have brought us to this opportune time of fasting towards salvation, for in this short time you have arranged to heal the great wounds of our soul, and to bring about the rejection of our many sins. Good Master, we pray you, remove from us any pharisaical hypocrisy in fasting, and banish all false sorrow. Drive from us all pride in our self-denial and moderation in deeds, words or thoughts. Fill us with light and the truth which you have taught. Strengthen us in the struggle against passions and in the war against sin. By alienation from passions prepare us to follow you by our fasting. Show us victory over the devil, that we may partake of your death and resurrection, and rejoice in the joy which you have prepared for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. For you are the God of mercy, and glory is yours, together with the Father and the Son and your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen."