Penitential Stanzas (Tone 1)
Gerald Largent
Savior, I have fallen into a great abyss because of my sins, and my transgressions weigh me down. Stretch out Your hand to me as You did to Peter, O Lord. Save me, O God, and have mercy on me.
My thoughts and deeds condemn me, O Savior. Give me the thought of turning back, that I may cry out to You: Save me, O God, and have mercy on me!
Another world awaits you, my soul: a Judge will soon reveal your secret and terrible thoughts and deeds! Do not linger, then, among the things that are here. Anticipate the Judgment and cry out to the Judge: Be merciful to me, O God, and save me!
Do not reject me at the testing, my Savior, though I am held fast by the laziness of sin. Arouse my thoughts to repentance; make me a proven worker of Your vineyard: grant me the wages of the eleventh hour and great mercy!