26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” 30 Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

Mark 14:26-31

Also Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:33-34; and John 13:36-38.

Response:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do what Simon did, Lord:

 

I make great promises to you; then find it hard to keep them.

Forgive me.

 

“Even if everyone else. . .” he said. I do that too. . .we all do…

 

We compare ourselves to other people

– dare to judge their achievements and failures

-and privately think we’re better than they are. Have mercy on us.

 

Help me to accept myself realistically:

 

help me to accept my limitations,

and stop me longing for what is beyond me;

 

and help me to accept my real potential.

 

Show me

how loving and gentle, patient, caring, and faithful I could be if I would-can be with your help.

 

Lord, help me become what I am meant to be.

 

Great and good Shepherd, struck down for my sake, do not let me fall from faith…

 

even in the most frightening times,

do not let me fall from faith.

 

Response:

• Saved: Church, Lent