Lord God, heavenly Father, it was your plan to let St. Stephen suffer under the stones for the sake of his faith, and by it he showed that your kingdom is not of this world, but belongs in another life. Strengthen our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we can suffer any hardship for the sake of your name and your Word and find our comfort here in your grace and eternal goodness. Amen.
Source: Veit Dietrich
Source of this version: Freely modified from The Lutheran Hymnary, 1913, http://olcc.us/liturgical-resources/collects-veit-dietrich/ (St. Stephen)
A Collection of Prayers 