The Great Canon of St. Andrew, Bishop of Crete, is a long hymn used over the first few days of Great Lent. St. Andrew himself composed this personal meditation as a cathartic remembrance of his sins; as a contemplative reflection on the truth, goodness, and beauty of God; and as a loving recitation of desire for union with Christ now and in Heaven.
With a spirit of mournful humility, we, too, ought to pray with it. For now, try meditating on this irmos (a miniature hymn) from Ode 5 of the Canon, which is read on the first Monday of Lent:
"Out of the night watching early for You, enlighten me, I pray, O Lover of man,
and guide me in Your commandments, and teach me, O Saviour, to do Your will. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me."