Scripture Reading – Acts 7:54-8:3 – NIV

⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸ dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

¹ And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. ² Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.³ But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Psalm Reading - Psalm: 31:1-5, 15-16- NIV

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

¹ In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

² Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

³ Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

⁴ Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

Note: All Scriptures are New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) unless otherwise noted