Lord God, in this glad season we praise you for the birth of your Son among us. On this day we remember that your Son and those who follow him are called to die in faith. Give us grace to be faithful servants and courage to trust you in life and in death. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer. Lord God, your Son commands us to pray for our enemies. Give us the vision to see that you created all people, and that all are in need of our prayer. Provide us with mediators who can help us settle our differences without violence. Lord, in your mercy...hear our prayer. Lord God, we see your love shine in the glory of the child in the manger. As Mary and Joseph cared for this child, so may we grow to hold dear those in our families. Teach us also to love those who are different from us, and those who are in special need of human care, Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer. Lord God, your servant Stephen was called to be a deacon and a preacher. Guide your servants today to be courageous and effective communicators of your Gospel. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer. Lord God, you granted Stephen at his death a vision of your glory and of your Son at your right hand. Give to the dying such a sense of peace, and to the sick the assurance of your healing power. (We remember especially…) Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer. Lord God, you prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Prepare us now to greet them in love as you bring them with us and with all your saints to the heavenly feast. Lord, in your mercy…hear our prayer. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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