Windsor Parish Church
I found an interesting .pdf book online, Early Christian Prayers. I've been reading the section, 'Prayers of the Martyrs.'
First of all, why were those Christians martyred? Because they were criminals? No. It was because they dared to claim allegiance to a King other than the earthly king or emperor. What did this allegiance to King Jesus look like? It looked like following Jesus - showing kindness, generosity, humility, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, putting others before themselves and their own comfort. Those aren't exactly things that anyone should object to, but as is true in any generation, even our own, people in power don't like competition.
Here's an excerpt from 'Prayers of the Martyrs' in 'Early Christian Prayers':
'Besides praising God and thanking him, the witnesses to the faith call in their prayers for God's help at the critical moment. They ask him to put their sin out of his mind, to forgive their executioners and to strengthen the faith of their brethren. Then they resign their souls into their Father's hands.
'What makes these prayers so moving is that they are essentially the expression given in the imminence of death to a faith soon to be sealed with blood.'
One example:
"Carpus was a bishop martyred at Pergamum in Asia Minor, under Marcus Aurelius. The account of [his] sufferings come from eye witnesses.
Carpus was fastened to the post. As the flames began to burn him, he gave a loud shout and said:
'Blessing to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God; you have thought me fit to share this fate with you, sinner though I am.' So saying he yielded up his soul."
The other accounts are similar, the Christians being burned at the stake or being tortured first and then burned at the stake or killed by the sword, but all blessing God for the opportunity to suffer for him.
This reminded me of some verses in Hebrews 11, referring back to God's people throughout the ages:
'They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy)...'
***
Even today, in many parts of the world, there are Christians being persecuted for their faith in God, their love of Jesus Christ.
Pray for fellow believers who are enduring persecution.
Have a blessed Lord's Day.
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22 comments:
Good Morning, lovely post and the church is beautiful. Happy Sunday, have a great new week ahead!
Praying for all this morning! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
gorgeous!! what a beautiful blue front door. lovely area. ( :
Very interesting, and gorgeous photos. That door is beautiful and I like that blue. Enjoy your Father's Day celebrations too!
a lovely church!
Lovely photographs of the church.
Judy, it's hard to believe the torture and humiliation early Christians endured. Even today, as you say, there is still persecution. Praying for all those who bravely endure the trials of their faith. ♥
i can only pray that my faith is as strong when it is tested.
What a lovely post....thank you!
It is so sad to see a news items about the present day martyrs. There's no reason for it. Hope you enjoy your Fathers Day with your Mister!
Amen to your post and to Tired Teacher's response. And love those deep blue doors!
I love, love that blue door! Gorgeous color. I agree with Gina and Tired Teacher. I pray that I can be as strong when put to the test. A very thought-provoking post, indeed.
How lovely! Tom The Backroads Traveller
Lots of think and pray about in this post Judy, in light of events in our world today. "There is nothing new under the sun" is there. Have a blessed week ahead.
Pam
I appreciated reading the prayer, and yes, sobering, there are many martyrs today. We have martyrs in our family. I loved the view you took of the parish church.
That is a beautiful, blue door.
Judy, your tour of England is so wonderful! I stop at each picture in awe. Thank you for sharing it with us.
The snake in your last post was adorable. I know I'm weird... ;)
xo,
rue
I see you went round the you went round the back of the church to the Chancel end, it looks to have some nice stained glass from all the windows there. The door looks like it could be a side one as it does not look a main entrance for a church like that. I must go and visit one day as it's not far from where I live. There were martyrs all over England during that time, Oxford, Newbury, Reading, Glastonbury. to name a few. Being burned at the stake was one method but Hung Drawn & Quartered usual as well. Good on you reading the book I'm not sure it's one I would like to read.
I pray for those being persecuted. It amazes me that in this century such barbarism is going on. We have to ask ourselves, could we stand as firm in our faith as those martyrs did.. I hope so.
That is a lovely church. Yes, and amen to your prayer for those suffering for their faith.
Beautiful photo. I empathize with your thoughts. Interesting prayer.
Su
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