If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18
Christina (4th century)
Mercilessly Tortured
Christina, the Christian daughter of a rich and powerful pagan magistrate in Bolsena, Italy, suffered unimaginable tortures because of her faith. Her ordeal began after she broke a number of golden idols belonging to her father and gave away the pieces to the poor.
He was outraged, and had Christina whipped with rods and then thrown into a dungeon. She refused to repent, so her father ordered that she be torn by iron hooks, then tied to a rack and held over a blazing fire. She was later tied to a heavy stone and thrown into a lake. Incredibly, she survived all these tortures and even outlived her merciless father. But the judge who succeeded him continued the persecution and had Christina thrown into a burning furnace where she remained – unhurt – for five days. She was thrown among snakes and had her tongue cut out before eventually her ordeal ended when she was killed by being pierced with arrows.
O God, Father of all mercies, give to all Christian people courage to confess your name. In your mercy strengthen those who are being persecuted for their witness to your gospel, so that, as they stand fast for your holy word, they may be sustained by it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
After Prayers of 1585