O Lord,
preserve us
from the deadly sins
of pride, envy, anger,
gluttony, lust,
greed and laziness.
In their place
work in us
and help us to live our lives
with the heavenly virtues
of humility, mercy, meekness,
moderation, purity, contentment,
and happy diligence in our work;
for Jesus Christ’s sake.
Amen.
Source: Freely modified from Euchologion. A collection of Prayers, etc. for the use of families, 1847, p. 75.
This prayer recalls the traditional “Seven Deadly Sins.” Although any unrepented sin is deadly (that is, destructive of faith), the list of the Seven Deadly Sins can be useful for reflection and self-examination.
Original in traditional English:
Preserve us, O Lord, from the deadly sins of pride, envy, anger, gluttony, lust, avarice, and sloth. And in their stead, implant and cultivate the contrary heavenly virtues of humility, mercy, meekness, temperance, chastity, contentedness, and cheerful industry; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
A Collection of Prayers 