Just God, you blessed St. Stephen with zeal and courage for the Gospel.
In company with him we pray: God, in your boundless love, hear our prayer.
Help us pray for our enemies and for those who stand against us.
Inspire effective ways to prevent torture and all practices that undermine respect for the dignity of life.
Strengthen pastors and deacons for preaching your Word and caring for the people they serve.
Our Father . . .
May God bless us with every gift of the Spirit, through Jesus, the Messiah, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen.
