Polycarp of Smyrma, pastor and martyr

 Today on the church calendar we remember and recall Polycarp and pastor and martyr of the faith

The following prayer is recorded as his immediately prior to the fire being kindled by his martyrdom:

Lord God Almighty Father of Your blessed and beloved Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of You, God of angels and host al all creation and of the whole race of the upright who live in Your presence: I bless You that You have thought me worthy of this day an hour, to be numbered among the the martyrs and share in the cup of Christ, for resurrection to eternal life, for soul and body in the  incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. Among them may I be accepted before You today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice just as You, the faithful and true God, have prepared and foreshown and brought about. For this reason and for all thigs I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You, through the eternal heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom be glory to You, with Him and the Holy Spirit, now and for the ages to come. Amen   

O God, the maker of heaven and earth, who gave to Your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior, and steadfastness to die for the Faith, give us grace, following his example,, to share the cup of Christ and rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the H9oly Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

From the Treasury of Daily Prayer copyright 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis