Encounter: Peter

Scripture: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

…So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”

“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.” But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, how often have I denied you in my own life with words, thoughts, and actions—going along to get along, bowing to peer pressure, and putting on a false self for acceptance? My heart weeps with remorse and sadness for those times, and I ask for your forgiveness. Restore our relationship as you did Peter’s after his denials when you asked him three times if he loved you. Know my heart. I do love you, Lord. I love you with my heart, mind, and soul. In grace, amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.