April 7, 2023

Dear Lord Jesus,

We are so grateful for You and mindful of what You endured alone after Your apprehension in the Garden of Gethsemane. The mockery, the derision, the lies, the striking You endured then and still endure today. Thank You for loving me so much to endure the barbaric and brutal scourging You suffered for someone as undeserving as me. Forgive the suffering I cause You when I forsake You. Grant that, unlike Judas, I repent of my sin. Grant that sin is not a stain that follows me and keeps me separated from the Father.

Without You, I am nothing. With You, I can do anything. Even though i deserve nothing, You have given me inheritance as a child of God called to a royal priesthood.

Thank You for never departing from us, even when we choose to depart from You.

Thank You for praying for the faith of the Apostles, knowing that Satan had received permission to sift them like wheat. Thank You for forming Simon into Petras, the rock upon whom Your church founded. Grant that all shepherds possess the faith of Peter to guide Your church. Amen.