Not only to Believe, but also to Suffer (Phil. 1 and Prayer)

This morning I read this after hearing of the horrible deaths of 21 Egyptian Christians. “Lord have mercy.”

Phil. 1:27-30:
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. … 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

 

 

Invitation to Confession

The saints were faithful unto death
and now dwell in the heavenly kingdom for ever.
As we celebrate their joy,
let us bring to the Lord our sins and weaknesses,
and ask for his mercy.

Kyrie Confession

We are often slow to follow the example of Christ.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

We often fail to be known as Christ’s disciples.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

We often fail to walk the way of the cross.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Collect

Almighty God,
by whose grace and power your holy martyrs in Lybia
triumphed over suffering and was faithful unto death:
strengthen us with your grace,
that we may endure reproach and persecution
and faithfully bear witness to the name
of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.