Evening Prayer – 29 March 2018

The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow

Lord, tonight we gathered around your table

This is my body, given for you

This is the cup of the new covenant

I could feel the pain within your heart

Your words caught in my throat

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.

Tears welled up and flowed

You offered the cup and the bread to all

Even your betrayer Judas, whom you loved

As we left worship tonight, your night was just beginning

You prayed in the garden

Out of the depths you cried out to your Abba

If it be possible, let this cup pass from me

The agony within your soul must have been incredible

Nevertheless your will not mine be done

Then the crowds came and you were betrayed by a kiss

Then your disciples fled into the night

While we sleep tonight, you will not sleep

You will be beaten, mocked, harassed

A kangaroo court will convict you

Peter will deny you three times just as you predicted

In the midst of all of the agony

In the midst of all of the chaos

In the midst of all of the fear

Your words ring out in my heart

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.

Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Love will bring us through the darkness of this night

Your love will guide us through the Valley of the Shadows

Lord, help us to walk with you

Lord, forgive us when we falter

As we wait and watch and weep this night

Lord, in your mercy, hear this prayer

Dona Nobis Pacem

A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…