There was a betrayal that came
before Judas’ kiss.
The betrayal of three friends
sleeping instead of praying
in the night of Your distress.
You asked for their company –
three good friends who had been
by Your side
for three good years.
With strained face
and sweat mingling with tears
You told them,
“I am in anguish
I am being crushed
I am about to die.
Please, please ...
stay here
watch here
pray here
with Me
for Me.”
But they slept.
The spirit was willing.
The flesh was weak.
How much did that betrayal of trust
add to Your pain that night?
I have slept in Gethsemane.
Each time a good friend has asked me
tears shining in their eyes
in their hearts
to pray for them
and I have forgotten
been too busy
been too lazy
been too distracted
to pray.
My spirit was willing.
My flesh was weak.
Please forgive my betrayal of them
and of You.
For whatever I do to them
I do to You.
Jesus, I re-commit to You today
and to my friends
to watch
and pray.