Of A Martyr III

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: Jeremiah 15:15-21
You understand, O LORD;
remember me and care for me.
Avenge me on my persecutors.
You are long-suffering--do not take me away;
think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.
When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.
I never sat in the company of revelers,
never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand was on me
and you had filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
Will you be to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails?

Therefore this is what the LORD says:

"If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,"
declares the LORD.
"I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."

Second Lesson: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Psalm: 124

  1. If the LORD had not been on our side, *
    let Israel now say;
  2. If the LORD had not been on our side, *
    when enemies rose up against us;
  3. Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
    in their fierce anger toward us;
  4. Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
    and the torrent gone over us;
  5. Then would the raging waters *
    have gone right over us.
  6. Blessed be the LORD! *
    he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
  7. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
    the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
  8. Our help is in the Name of the LORD, *
    the maker of heaven and earth.

or

Psalm 31:1-5

  1. In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame; *
    deliver me in your righteousness.
  2. Incline your ear to me; *
    make haste to deliver me.
  3. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
    for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
    for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
  4. Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
    for you are my tower of strength.
  5. Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
    for you have redeemed me,
    O LORD, O God of truth.

Gospel: Mark 8:34-38
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

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

Common of Saints