St PeterImpulsive master of misunderstanding
You comfort me with all your big mistakes; Jumping the ship before you make the landing, Placing the bet before you know the stakes. I love the way you step out without knowing, The way you sometimes speak before you think, The way your broken faith is always growing, The way he holds you even when you sink. Born to a world that always tried to shame you, Your shaky ego vulnerable to shame, I love the way that Jesus chose to name you, Before you knew how to deserve that name. And in the end your Saviour let you prove That each denial is undone by love. Malcolm Guite from his website and in his book Sounding the Seasons published by Canterbury Press.. Peter the Confessor,
may we always say with you: Jesus you are the Christ, the Son of the living God Peter the Fisherman, may we also work for the Kingdom and have nets full of life. Peter the Rock, may we always look to you for encouragement and guidance. Peter the Leader, may we have faithful leaders whom we rejoice to follow. Peter the Impetuous, may we know how to face our failings. Peter the Shepherd, may we know your constant concern and care for us, the flock. Peter the Healer, may we offer more than silver and gold - Christ’s healing grace Peter the Martyr, may we embrace sacrifice and not be afraid when we feel imprisoned and threatened by the forces of evil. Peter the loving Servant, may we know how Christ can restore and heal us. Peter our Patron, we give praise to God for your life and your inspiring witness to us, for you are the Apostle of Christ, and we unite with you in proclaiming for ever that: Jesus is the Christ, the anointed One, the Son of the Living God. |
Heavenly Father,
You inspired your Apostle Peter to confess Jesus as the Christ the Son of the Living God; Build your church upon this rock, that in unity and peace, we may proclaim the Gospel of life, and live in joyful obedience to your will in the communion of Peter and all the Saints. |