The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Edmund
King of East Anglia, Martyr, 870 November 20

1 Peter 3:14-18
Matthew 10:16-22
Psalm 21:1-7
or Psalm 126

Preface of Baptism

O God of ineffable mercy, you gave grace and fortitude to blessed Edmund the king to triumph over the enemy of his people by nobly dying for your Name: Bestow on us your servants the shield of faith with which we can withstand the assaults of our ancient enemy; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

1 Peter 3:14-18

Even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

Psalm 21:1-7 Page 608, BCP

Domine, in virtute tua

1

The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD; *
how greatly he exults in your victory!

2

You have given him his heart's desire; *
you have not denied him the request of his lips.

3

For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
length of days, for ever and ever.

5

His honor is great, because of your victory; *
splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.

6

For you will give him everlasting felicity *
and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king puts his trust in the LORD; *
because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he

will not fall.

or

Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP

In convertendo

1

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.

2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3

Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."

4

The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.

5

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.

6

Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.

7

Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Matthew 10:16-22

Jesus said to the twelve apostles, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.

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