Polycarp's prayer



“O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ,

by whom we have received the knowledge of Thee, the God of angels and powers,

and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before

thee, I give Thee thanks that Thou hast counted me, worthy of this day and this hour,

that I should have a part in the number of Thy martyrs, in the cup

of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body,

through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost.


Among whom may I be accepted this day before Thee as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, according as

Thou, the ever-truthful God, hast fore-ordained, hast revealed beforehand to me, and now hast fulfilled.


Wherefore also I praise Thee for all things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee,

along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son,

with whom, to Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be glory both