Then, hearing these things
their hearts became furious
and they ground their teeth
at him.
But being full of the Holy Spirit
he looked straight to heaven
and he saw the glory of God
and Jesus, standing at the right hand of God
and he said:
‘Look, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man,
standing at the right hand of God.’
But having called out with a great cry
they stopped their ears and
they rushed,
with a single purpose,
at him.
And when they had dragged him out of the city
they threw stones at him
and the witnesses put down their cloaks
at the feet of young man, called Saul.
And they threw stones at Stephen
who was praying:
‘Lord Jesus
receive my spirit.’
Kneeling,
he cried out with a loud voice,
‘Lord, do not blame them
for this sin. ‘
And saying this he fell asleep.
And Saul approved of his killing.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy,
For your mercy and for your truth’s sake. Amen