The Prayer Before the Gospel Illumine our hearts, O Master who lovest mankind, with the pure light of thy divine knowledge; and open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of thy gospel teachings; implant in us also the fear of thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto thee: for thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto thee we give glory, together with thy Father who is from everlasting, and thine all-holy, good, and life giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.