In the Garden

Prior to Holy Thursday night prayer:

We could not dare presume, Lord, that we could abide with you in the Garden this night, to keep you company in the dark hours before your arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion. We know we've fallen asleep too often, Lord. We have heard you ask, in disappointment on our behalf, "Could you not wait with me for an hour?" In your love, Lord, you have roused us again, and offer us another precious opportunity to watch and pray with you. The cup before your lips, from which you plead to be spared, is the cup of my iniquity, Lord. I thank you for accepting it that I might be free of it, free to drink the cup of life in its place, the cup of salvation.

We wait, watch, and pray with you, Lord, for in perfect Love your Spirit keeps us here.