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
Therefore, since we
have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ. Romans 5.1
May the God of love
bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal
love in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Book of Common
Prayer