Be sober
be alert
Your enemy,
the devil,
as a lion
roaring
walks around
seeking some to devour.
whom,
resist
(being) strong in faith,
knowing that the ‘family members’
throughout the world
are suffering the same things
but the God of all grace
who called you
to his eternal glory
in Christ Jesus,
after suffering a little while
will restore you,
will make you firm,
will make you strong,
will establish you.
To him (is) the power
for ever.
Amen.
Through Silvanus
a faithful brother to you all,
as I reckon.
Briefly I have written
encouraging (you)
and declaring this is the true grace of God
in which you stand.
The one in Babylon
greets you
– chosen with you
and also Mark,
my son.
Greet one another
with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you,
who are in Christ.
Thank you, dear Jesus,
for all you have given me,
for all you have taken away from me,
for all you have left me.
Thomas More (c.1478-1535)