Stephen, the first Martyr

Collect

Gracious God, who gave to your servant Stephen, the first martyr, grace to bear witness to the truth even unto death, and to pray for those who took up stones against him, grant that in all our suffering for righteousness' sake we may learn to love even our enemies and seek forgiveness for those who desire to harm us, looking up to heaven as he did, to Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord, who is our Mediator and Advocate and into whose hands we commend our spirits; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.