A Meditation for the All-Night Vigil

Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsem’ane, and he said to them, “Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb’edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26: 36-46

 Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;

here would I touch and handle things unseen;

here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,

and all my weariness upon thee lean.

 

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;

here drink with thee the royal Wine of heaven;

here would I lay aside each earthly load,

here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

 

I have no help but thine; nor do I need

another arm save thine to lean upon;

it is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;

my strength is in thy might, thy might alone.

 

Mine is the sin, but thine the righteousness;

mine is the guilt, but thine the cleansing Blood.

Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;

thy Blood, thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

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