Spiritual darkness comes on horseback and goes away on foot. It is upon us before we know that it is coming. (Bishop J. C. Ryle)
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Anglican Book of Common Prayer)
Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV
Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again, he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So, he went out and wept bitterly.
Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus that night. Judas never wept; he tried to fix things (Matthew 27:4-5). Like the rich young man who an eternity ago asked, “What good must I do?” (Matthew 19:16), Judas thought he could do something to accomplish his own redemption. Peter, with his remarkable spiritual intuition, seemed to understand that in light of what he had just done, the only thing he could do about it was weep. (Michael Card, “Matthew: The Gospel of Identity,” p. 234)
Confession of Faithlessness
Tune: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy, for I have turned away.
I turned from being faithful; my heart has gone astray.
I want, O Lord, to please you, to follow where you lead,
But in my heart is darkness; Lord Jesus, cleanse, I plead.
Like Peter in the courtyard, I follow from afar.
My mind is filled with turmoil, and fear consumes my heart.
I shrink away a coward; I turn away from pain.
I want to serve you wholly but fail again, again.
My sins and failures fill me with anguish and with grief.
The tears I shed are true, but they bring such small relief.
I need to know, Lord Jesus, that you do love me still.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy! Help me still do your will.
I trust in the abundance of mercy, grace, and love
That you, Lord Jesus, give me through heaven’s Holy Dove.
I praise you, Lord, for never rejecting me away.
I cling to you, my Jesus; at your side let me stay.
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
