CONCERNING PRAYER  
Come, let us raise our hands in prayer, for to-morrow they will be powerless in the dust.
 
Think not that he who supplicates before the Door of Mercy, which is never shut, will turn away in hopelessness.
 
O Lord, regard us with compassion, for sin has entered among thy servants.
 
O gracious God! by Thy bounty have we been sustained; to Thy gifts and lovingkindness have we become habituated.
 
Since in this life Thou hast ennobled us above all things created, hope of similar glory have we in the world to come.
 
O God, humiliate me not by reason of Thy greatness; make me not ashamed by reason of my sins.
 
Let no one prevail over me, for it is better that I should suffer punishment from Thy hand.
 
Let it suffice that I am ashamed in Thy presence; make me not ashamed before my fellow-men.
 
[121]
 
If the shadow of Thy mercy fall upon me, mean is the dignity of the sky before mine eyes.
 
If Thou give to me a crown, I will raise my head: exalt me, so that no one may cast me down.
A Worshipper’s Lament
 
I tremble when I recall the prayer of one distracted in the temple of Mecca. Thus did he lament:
 
“Throw me not down, for no one will hold my hand to succour me. Whether Thou call me or drive me away, my head has no resting-place but Thy threshold. Thou knowest that I am poor and helpless; I am oppressed by my evil passions. Ke............