Daily Prayers for October 17
Ignatius of Antioch (c. 107)
Ignatius, whose surname was Theophorus (“God-bearer”), may have been a disciple of John the Evangelist. Little is known about his early life, but he took charge of the church at Antioch around the year 69 and was condemned to death during the time of Trajan’s persecution. While in transit to Rome, the boat carrying him to his death made stops along the shores of Asia Minor, and he was able to preach in the churches along the way. Faithful Christians met Ignatius upon his arrival in Rome, both to celebrate his presence and mourn his impending death. Praying with the believers, he asked for an end to persecution, blessings on the church, and charity for the faithful. He was taken to the amphitheater in Rome, where it is reported two lions were set upon him.
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Come, let us sing to the Lord : let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Song “Steal Away to -Jesus”
Dying, we rise to you, O Lord : come, be our light.
Psalm 89:11 – 15
Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours : you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.
You have made the north and the south : Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name.
You have a mighty arm : strong is your hand and high is your right hand.
Righteous-ness and justice are the foundations of your throne : love and truth go before your face.
Happy are the -people who know the festal shout! : they walk, O Lord, in the light of your presence.
Dying, we rise to you, O Lord : come, be our light.
Zechariah 1:7 – 17 2 Co-rin-thi-ans 6:3 – 13
Dying, we rise to you, O Lord : come, be our light.
Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “The delights of this world and all its kingdoms will not profit me. I would prefer to die in -Jesus Christ than to rule over all the earth. I seek him who died for us; I desire him who rose for us. I am in the throes of being born again. Bear with me, my brothers and sisters. Let me see the pure light; when I am there, I shall be truly a human being at last. Let me imitate the sufferings of my God.”
Prayers for Others
Our Father
Lord God, instill in us such a fervor for you that we cannot help but preach your love and reconciliation in times of sorrow and joy. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
