Three Prayers on the Lord's Abandonment by His Disciples and the Declaration of His Innocence
By Esaias Heidenreich
Lord Jesus, the weakness of our flesh and blood shows itself so severely and abundantly in dear Peter, who had earlier so presumptuously promised You so much, yet showed so little in the moment. Let us, in this and other cases of Your beloved elect, rightly discern, feel, and learn our need, misery, and wretchedness, which we daily bear around our necks. And You, O faithful shepherd, Jesus Christ, kindly regard our manifold afflictions, sins, and transgressions. Cover them with Your innocence, wash them away with the generous drops of Your blood, and grant that we may learn to conduct ourselves patiently under the cross according to Your Word and will, to avoid all presumption, and to obey and follow Your name in meekness and love. Amen.
Lord Jesus, we take great comfort in this: Your innocent suffering is extolled and defended by You and even by Your enemies. Moreover, we take hope in this: The greater and richer Your innocence is before the face of the heavenly Father, the more powerfully our burdensome guilt is blotted out and washed away. For such a benefit, we pray. Grant that we may enjoy Your innocence eternally. Amen.
Lord Jesus, You were forsaken by all Your disciples in the midst of Your approaching suffering and felt the pain of being abandoned by friends. Have mercy upon us when we are called to You from here, out of the sight of our loved ones. Comfort us also when the faithlessness of men troubles, plagues, and distresses us, so that, even if we stand forsaken by all the world, we may nevertheless cling to You and find comfort in Your friendship, faithfulness, and love. Amen.
Esaias Heidenreich, Passional Betbüchlein (1582)
Francisco de Zurbarán, Agnus Dei (c. 1635–40)