The Fourth Station: Peter denies Jesus

Location: RAF Memorial

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

Genuflect

People: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Stand

Reader: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (26:69–75)
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a maid came up to him, and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again, he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you. “Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the cock crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Sit/Kneel

Leader:
In times of great pressure, the darkness can fall all around us, After Jesus had been condemned and led away, he caught sight of Peter. It was painfully clear to see that Peter missed the opportunity to show a disciple’s loyalty and leadership. With this and with God’s will, the cock crowed.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, be our strength; always stand by us; and let us not be tempted by those who would lead us in the wrong direction. We vow to commit our lives to you: our faith, our hope, and our love are for you. Amen.

All stand

Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: Christ, have mercy. People: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.

 

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