Three Prayers on Peter's Denial
By Esaias Heidenreich
The First Prayer
Oh Lord Jesus, You who through the rooster's crow and Your gracious glance upheld sinking Peter, have mercy also upon us, and call us with Your rooster's crowing through the preaching of the Law and true repentance, so that we recognize and feel in our fallings and sins Your wrath, promptly turn, and have no part with the devil. Amen.
The Second Prayer
O sweet Lord Jesus Christ, Your look of grace upholds and quickens the sorrowful heart of Peter. So look also today at my miserable heart through the gracious preaching of Your holy Gospel. Give me Your Holy Spirit, who gladdens my heart. Finally, comfort me in every trial, point me to Your Word, and preserve me in patience and steadfast faith until my end. Amen.
The Third Prayer
Alas, my Lord Jesus, Peter recalls Your Word, turns away from the company of the ungodly, and weeps bitterly over his fall. Give me also true contrition and sorrow over committed sins, and strengthen my faith, that it may never again forget Your Word, suffering, death, and gracious promises. Grant that I may dwell here on earth with and among good people and hearts, with whose sighing, service, and love I may depart from here to You in heavenly joy, which You have prepared for me and made my own by the pouring out of Your rose-colored blood. Amen.
Esaias Heidenreich, Passional Betbüchlein (1582)
Simon Bening, The Denial of St. Peter (c. 1525)