Dear
milletsmo~
Took a long while to sit back, pray & write the following prayer for you. Upon posting it, I can see that some of the others were thinking the same thing: that one can not reject Peter because of Judas.
One shouldn’t blame Christ and His Church because some people behave in an un-Christlike manner.I have the feeling you already know that, though… because it’s obvious you’re a “good egg” who often takes the high road.
hug Sadly, you’ve been hurt by those you trusted & are feeling the effects. Deceit, betrayal… it hurts! It’s also not from Christ.
Been there myself, just last week, with certain family members. But you know what? No matter what influences them in what they do (or don’t do), it can’t shake my faith. Took a while for me, but I finally recognized betrayal for what it really is & its ultimate goal. I resolved to never let it win.
That bitter cup of deceit and betrayal is one from which we all, eventually, must drink. Yet Christ is ever here with us, calling us to continue following Him, to live by His example. As you know, it’s not the easiest path, because Jesus has many enemies. Yet, as you also know, His is the right path. Now, here’s my *lonnng *prayer for you.
another hug ~BriarRose
~+~
Lord Jesus,
I contemplate Your betrayal, at the kiss of one of Your Twelve chosen.
At Gethsemane, You suffered immensely. Then, even as You were speaking,
along came he whom You had befriended, he who ate with You, drank with You,
traveled with You, and lived with You.
Judas,
who kissed Your beautiful cheek,
delivering You up to the mob,
to be mocked and scorned,
beaten and bruised,
unjustly condemned
and crucified.
As I contemplate this, know that I am a faithful follower of You, Lord Jesus.
I love You and I love my neighbor, trying my best to live by Your example.
Today, I come to You, betrayed by my friends, asking for Your help and guidance,
for the closer I get to You, the more Your enemy seeks to prevent my doing so,
attempting to undermine my faith; to destroy my Trust in You and Your Church.
It seems the closer I get to You, the harder things become!
But the more I think about it, the more I begin to see.
It goes way beyond crossing the line and cheating a friend.
It goes far beyond my friends concealing things, keeping secrets behind my back.
I realize that they are unaware of what influenced them to make such hurtful choices.
I can see past the actual offenses to the ultimate goal…
It’s a weapon, a tool commonly used, a sharpened wedge
Your enemy wields to attack one’s faith, to divide and conquer, to get one’s soul.
Rather than lie down in defeat, give in and give up, I will defend my faith and hold on to my treasure!
I will cling to You ever more tightly! I will do what confounds evil and sends it packing…
living by and following Your example, Lord Jesus!
So then, I will pray for those who hurt me!
- In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
May they be contrite in their offenses, may they correct their depraved passions. May whatever enticed them to such deeds be driven out and away, to the depths from whence it came, that their repentant hearts may be made new and clean, as fresh fallen snow. May Your Holy Spirit come into them and remain therein, and if it be Your will, may our friendship be healed. If it is not Your will that these be my friends, allow me to persevere. Send Your angels to protect and guide me, send me friends who are compassionate and true.
In this recent bout, I have not lost, nor will I lose. It is the great betrayer who loses, as I hold fast and firm to my faith, living my life through, with and in Christ.
I also pray for wisdom in future encounters, for grace, charity, and fortitude in faith,
that I may never again be shaken, as I place my Trust in You, Jesus!
Who continued to love so willingly,
enough to be betrayed,
mocked and scorned,
beaten and bruised,
unjustly condemned
and crucified
for our sake…
for my sake.
So, may I never lose sight of You, there upon the Cross,
knowing all You did for me and for us, that we may be forgiven.
May I never forget the promises You made, or take them for granted,
for You Lord, are my strength and my shield, and I trust in You with all my heart! Amen.
