Stoning of St. Stephen, First Martyr for Christ
“You stiffed necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit just as your ancestors used to. Which of the Prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One and now you have become His betrayers and murderers. You are the one who had received the Law as ordained by angels and yet you have not kept it.”
The Stoning of St. Stephen
When they heard these things they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen but filled with the Holy Spirit he gazed into heaven and seen the Glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” Stephen said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” but they covered their ears and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged Stephen out of the city and began to stone him and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen he prayed: “Lord Jesus receive my spirit.”
Then Stephen knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When Stephen said this, he died and Saul approved of their killing. –Acts 7:51-60 – 8:1A
Prayer and Praise for Deliverance From Enemies
In you, O Lord I seek refuge, do not let me ever be put to shame. I your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress, for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I commit my spirit, You have redeemed me O Lord, faithful God.
You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols but I trust in the Lord. I will exalt and rejoice in Your steadfast love because You have seen my affliction, You have taken heed of my adversities and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a broad place.
Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on You, let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol. Let the lying lips be stilled that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has wonderfully shown His steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege.
Love the Lord, all you His Saints. The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. –Psalm 31:1-8, 17-18, 21, 23-24
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