A Collect for Courage in Difficulty and Suffering

O Lord, who set your face toward Jerusalem, knowing what awaited you, you set an example for us that even in the face of suffering, we go where the Father calls us. Give us courage to walk difficult paths for your sake and the sake of those you love, and may they, like yours, lead to the loving arms of the Father, through you who sat down at the Father’s right hand with the Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘ From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ – Matthew 16:21