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Grant Me Wisdom
At some point in every day, I try to remember to say the prayer "I Confess in Faith" by the 12th Century Armenian saint, St. Nerses Shnorhali. Almost any Armenian will recognize the name of this saint, great mind and poet. I grew up near the Armenian seminary named for him. It was not until recently, however, that I read his rather short prayer and discovered the aura St. Nerses for myself.
The prayer's main request is poignantly stated in the line, "Grant me wisdom." Of course, the translation of the prayer can in no way compare to the original classical Armenian version, which really is quite exquisite. But what I found to be even more exquisite, and charming if one can use that adjective to describe a prayer, is the simplicity of its request: a request for wisdom to think, speak and do good at all times.
Often, at least in my experiences and encounters with the word "wisdom," it implies knowing so much, embodying the most high, or of obtaining a venerable status. But this prayer reminded me that wisdom is an element that should be present in our daily lives. It is not to be reserved for the most catastrophic moments when we know not what to do nor the apex of our lives when we're so excited and preoccupied with not wanting to mess up all the good things we've achieved. Wisdom is so much more than knowing what to do. It is being able to recognize what must be done and being open to being told what must be done as well. The wise person realizes that each and everyone of us is imperfect.
And so, as I hustle and bustle around campus at the start of my last semester of college, I find myself whispering this prayer, asking for wisdom so that I may be patient when I'm rushed, so I may be calm when I'm anxious, or so that I may simply be, and be at peace.
I Confess in Faith
St. Nerses Shnorhali
Jesus, wisdom of the Father,
Grant me wisdom
To think, speak and do the good in your sight at all times,
Save me from evil thoughts, words and deeds,
Have mercy upon your creation and me, a manifold sinner.
Amen.
By
Ani Nalbandian
|
January 26, 2009; 11:34 AM ET
| Category:
Orthodox Idyll
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Posted by: Maral | January 28, 2009 8:39 AM
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Thanks for introducing a 12th century great Armenian Church Saint and ecumenist, author and musician who believed in the unity of mankind.
Fr. Untzag
Posted by: Anonymous | January 28, 2009 7:57 AM
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Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful prayer of St. Nersess Shnorhali and your succint and meaningful reflection of it. You have motivated me to remember to say this prayer every day and to meditate upon its meaning. Thank you for that. You are wise beyond your years and what you have written here is, I believe, one of the reasons why you are a person who makes a positive difference. Today I heard someone say, "I don't want to just fit in, I want to matter." Ani Nalbandian, you matter. Keep up your good works.
Posted by: Dottie Bengoian | January 28, 2009 12:45 AM
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Thank you for educating and sharing St. Nerses Shnorhali's prayer with us. It is quite beautiful, and I must say in today's society where people are rushed, don't have a minute to think- it is most needed.