Easter 3

Lord and God,

Glory to you who return for the evil of man the grace of God, for the wrath of Saul the mercy of David, and for the disbelief of murderous Pharisees the resurrection of Lazarus.

Deliver us, we pray from our enemies. From those who wish or do us harm, protect us. For those who suffer hatred, injury, threats or death for your name, we pray. Though they find death an expedient, digging pitfalls for us, even making an end of us on earth, let us cling to your word and the testimony of your name. In your steadfast love remember your people. Let them follow the path of Christ: to love even one’s enemies unto death, and to rise never subject to death again.