Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/238

 Saint John   December 27

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and  evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that  at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through  Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the  Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation

The Holy Innocents  December 28

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your  great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish  your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ  our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the  Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation

Confession of Saint Peter   January 18

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God:  Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that  in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow  the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with  you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles

Conversion of Saint Paul   January 25

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: