Reading of the Law of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.10
Confession of Sin
Our Father, we don’t like the idea of persecution. We shrink
from the thought of having to face the pain that it brings. And yet, our lives
are Yours to do with as You wish. Forgive us when concerns for our comfort become
more important to us than serving You wholeheartedly. Give us hearts that are
ready to endure the hardships of persecution, if that is Your will. Help us to
be like our faithful Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we
might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and
Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2.24-25