The Prayer of St Ephraim Outside Lent

Q & A with Fr Job:

Question: Why is the prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian limited to the Great Fast? Could it be that that which is asked for in this prayer is inappropriate to ask for on other days?

Answer: The prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian is prescribed by the Typikon for the period of the Holy Forty Days. However, it has spiritual significance for Orthodox Christians in other periods of the Church year. So, for example, this is indicated at the end of the Psalter: “... Lord, have mercy (40). And prostrations, if possible with the prayer 'O Lord and Master of my life...'” This refers not only to the period of Great Lent.