Glory to You for Your Deacon and Martyr, Lawrence!

Early in the third century A.D., Lawrence, most likely born in Spain, made his way to Rome. There he was appointed chief of the seven deacons and was given the responsibility to manage church property and finances. The emperor at the time, who thought that the church had valuable things worth confiscating, ordered Laurence to produce the "treasures of the church." Lawrence brought before the emperor the poor whose lives had been touched by Christian charity. He was then jailed and eventually executed in the year 258 by being roasted on a gridiron. His martyrdom left a deep impression on the young church. Almost immediately, the date of His death, August 10, became a permanent fixture on the early commemorative calendar of the Church.

Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
Ye Patriarchs and Prophets blest:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye holy Twelve, Ye Martyrs strong,
All saints triumphant, join the song:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit,
Three in One,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(LSB #670, st. 3,4)

Almighty God, who didst give Thy servant Lawrence 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 likewise ever be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for His sake; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. (Brotherhood Prayerbook: Commemoration of a Martyr)