Denial

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!” Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:52-62

Loving Creator who knows us 

the gifts and the utter failings

our victories and stumbling

our betrayals and our faith.

We are often given to fear

denying our truth and your ways

in order to be safe and secure

we can even turn on our siblings.

Yet you willingly built your church

on the most flawed and failing ones

you who loves our warts and all

call the broken to be disciples.

Strengthen us today in our fears

help us face the truth of our sins

knowing that you rush to healing

and shower all with your forgiveness. Amen.