1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me in the presence of those
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
From the Great Cloud of Witnesses:
Cyprian was born in the late third, or early fourth, century to a wealthy family in North Africa. Like Augustine, he received an excellent education and held a position as a professor of rhetoric. Following his conversion and baptism, somewhere around 245, he gave away many of his possessions and devoted himself to the study of the Bible and the writings of Christian authors. In 248, he was elected bishop of Carthage and a time of persecution soon followed. During this persecution, many lapsed, or denied Christ, but then sought re-admittance to the church once the danger passed. Cyprian was faced with the consequences of this situation as he sought to bring both healing and forgiveness to the church. In 257, Cyprian himself died as a martyr.
For further biographical information: http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/cyprian.php
Collect:
Almighty God, who gave to your servant Cyprian 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 always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.