The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Feast of
Cyprian
Bishop and Martyr of Carthage, 258 September 13

1 Peter 5:1-4,10-11
John 10:11-16
Psalm 23 or
Psalm 116:10-17

The Preface of a Saint (3)

Almighty God, who gave to your servant Cyprian boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:1-4,10-11

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it-- not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23 Page 612, BCP

Dominus regit me

1

The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.

3

He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.

4

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You spread a table before me in the presence of those

who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.

6

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days

of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

or

Psalm 116:10-17 Page 759, BCP

Dilexi, quoniam

10

How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?

11

I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

12

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.

13

Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.

14

O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

15

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

16

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,

17

In the courts of the LORD'S house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

John 10:11-16

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

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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