Today, on St Stephen’s Day, we give thanks for the first martyr who bore faithful witness to Christ even unto death. As Stephen gazed heavenward and entrusted himself to the Lord Jesus, grant us the same grace: hearts full of faith, courage, and truth, shaped by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We remember today our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church, who, like Stephen, suffer rejection, violence, and loss for the sake of the gospel. Strengthen them with boldness to proclaim Christ, and sustain them with the sure hope of the risen Lord.
Gracious God, grant us grace to endure whatever trials may come, to forgive as Stephen forgave, and to love our enemies, that we may faithfully follow Christ and glorify him in life and in death. Amen.