Of A Martyr I

Collect:
Almighty God, who didst give thy servant N. boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
or this

O Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyr N. triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant us, who now remember him with thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to thee in this world, that we may receive with himthe crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or the following

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyr N.: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: 2 Esdras 2:42-48
I, Ezra, saw on Mount Zion a great multitude, which I could not number, and they all were praising the Lord with songs.

In their midst was a young man of great stature, taller than any of the others, and on the head of each of them he placed a crown, but he was more exalted than they. And I was held spellbound.

Then I asked an angel, "Who are these, my lord?"

He answered and said to me, "These are they who have put off mortal clothing and have put on the immortal, and they have confessed the name of God; now they are being crowned, and receive palms."

Then I said to the angel, "Who is that young man who places crowns on them and puts palms in their hands?"

He answered and said to me, "He is the Son of God, whom they confessed in the world." So I began to praise those who had stood valiantly for the name of the Lord.

Then the angel said to me, "Go, tell my people how great and many are the wonders of the Lord God which you have seen."

Second Lesson: 1 Peter 3:14-18, 22
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fearB; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Psalm: 126

  1. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
    then were we like those who dream.
  2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
    and our tongue with shouts of joy.
  3. Then they said among the nations, *
    "The LORD has done great things for them."
  4. The LORD has done great things for us, *
    and we are glad indeed.
  5. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
    like the watercourses of the Negev.
  6. Those who sowed with tears *
    will reap with songs of joy.
  7. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
    will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

or

Psalm 121

  1. I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
    from where is my help to come?
  2. My help comes from the LORD, *
    the maker of heaven and earth.
  3. He will not let your foot be moved *
    and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
  4. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
    shall neither slumber nor sleep;
  5. The LORD himself watches over you; *
    the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
  6. So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
    nor the moon by night.
  7. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
    it is he who shall keep you safe.
  8. The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
    from this time forth for evermore.

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-22
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Collect & Psalm from the Book of Common Prayer
Other excerpts from the New International Bible

Common of Saints