Almighty God, who sent Your servant, John the Baptist, to prepare Your people for the coming of Your Son; inspire the ministers and stewards of Your truth to turn our disobedient hearts to the law of love; give us courage to speak the truth, even to the point of death, so that at the last day, when He comes again in glory, we may stand with confidence before Him as our judge; who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.