Pope Shenouda III
As for the reverence of the spirit, one must pray with a contrite heart.
Remember that God is near those who have a contrite heart... Do not forget that you are from dust and you are talking to your Creator who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16). Do not also forget your sins by which you grieved God’s Holy Spirit, betrayed His love and met His loving kindness with ingratitude. Therefore stand in contrition before Him as the Prophet Daniel prayed and said, “O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face,... because we have sinned against You... we have rebelled against You” (Dan 9:7-9).
Say to Him: I don’t deserve anything. But in spite of my many sins and ingratitude, Your longsuffering encourages me and Your big heart comforts me. You are the kind God who does not wish for the death of the wicked but that he should turn from his ways and live (Ezek 18:23,32). The greatness of Your mercies are revealed in me who has fallen..!
