Peter Denies Jesus

Mark 14: 66-72
While Peter was down in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came along. When she noticed Peter warming himself, she looked at him more closely and said, "You, too, were with Jesus of Nazareth." But he denied it: "I do not know what you are talking about! What are you getting at?" Then he went out into the gateway (at that moment a codk crowed). The servant girl, keeping an eye on h im, started again to tell the bystanders, "This man is one of them." Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, "You are certainly one of them! You are a Galilean, are you not?" He began to curse, and to swear. " I do not even know the man you are talking about!" Just then a second cockcrow was heard, and Peter recalled the prediction Jesus had made to him: "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and began to cry.

"When do we begin as Peter did, feigning ignorance about someone, an incident, an issue or teaching of the gospel? Or we deny, either point blank or by obvious silence, that we are connected to Christ, being baptized and calling ourselves followers of the Suffering Servant? When do we or the groups we are a part of in the church refuse to stand in solidarity with others or ignore and resist the teachings of Christ because they may put us in a poor light with others, or in jeopardy? Do we have the same difficulty as Peter in even beginning 'to deny our very selves'?" . . . excerpt from "The New Stations of the Cross" by Megan McKenna

Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and open our eyes to where we have been too afraid, too weak, to limited in our thinking. Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and open our hearts to feel remorse for the evil we have done and the good left undone. Let the cock crow for us, Lord Jesus, and show us how we are denying you first place in our lives. Show us how to deny ourselves, and be your true servants in the world.

We lift up the cares and concerns of your children today. We pray for Cynthia Corbin, and her children John and Amanda. Keep watch over them, comfort and calm their anxiety, and protect them from all evil during their separation. We pray for David Flores, Jr. and his wife Renee, keep their hearts joined in your love, and help them persevere. We ask your blessings on Louise Newmeyer, and her Aunt Peachy, and her sister-in-law Becky. Strengthen and support these women for the work you have called them to do. Help them find joy in their family relationships, and know that in all they do, they are serving you. We pray for Delia Cerda to find courage and strength for the living of each day, and that your Spirit will remain with her and guide her in your way. We pray for John Cahill for healing and restoration. We pray for all those who are lost to addiction. Break through their denial, and show them a better way to life in you.

For these brothers and sisters in faith, and for all who are afraid, who are weak, who live limited lives because of our denial of your claim on our lives, we pray for forgiveness, encouragement, and renewal. Let us all walk together as your people.