May God the Father, and the eternal High Priest Jesus Christ,
build us up in faith and truth and love,
and grant us our portion among the saints
with all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ.
We pray for all saints,
for kings and rulers,
for the enemies of the cross of Christ,
and for ourselves
we pray that our fruit may abound
and we be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Polycarp, 69 – 155, Bishop of Smyrna (near Ephesus), martyr
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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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