Jesus’ Agonizing Prayer in Gethsemane
About 5 minutes, from Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18
Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not to perform)
  Peter
  Voice (of Jesus)
  Prompter     Shout a brief line and Echoes repeat it.
  Echoes          Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script.
Peter |
I’m the apostle Peter. For me, this is a very, very fearful night! |
Prompter & Echoes |
Terrifying! |
Peter |
Jesus is leading us to a secluded spot |
Prompter & Echoes |
Jerusalem! Jerusalem! |
Peter |
The last rays of sunset caress the city’s roofs. |
Voice |
Peter, James, and John, come with me, |
Peter |
Like the Garden of Eden, it is the place of terrible testing. |
Voice |
My soul grieves to the point of death! |
Prompter & Echoes |
Watch and pray! |
Peter |
Jesus goes a stone’s throw beyond and falls face down, |
`Voice |
Abba! Father! If it is possible, let this hour pass me by. |
Peter |
Jesus returns to find us asleep; |
Voice |
Peter, could you not keep watch for an hour? |
Prompter & Echoes |
The most crucial hour ever! |
Peter |
Had I watched, I’d have seen flaming torches |
Voice |
Watch, Peter. The hour is near. |
Peter |
Again, Jesus goes and prays the same agonizing words. |
Voice |
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. |
Peter |
Had we been awake, we’d have seen the flickering torches |
Prompter & Echoes |
Closer and closer! |
Peter |
I did not yet grasp the terrible gravity |
Voice |
Calvary’s cruel cross! |
Peter |
Sin’s filth will penetrate, searing, |
Prompter & Echoes |
Such anguish! |
Voice |
Peter, you still rest? Enough! This is the hour of darkness. |
Prompter & Echoes |
The traitor is coming! |
Peter |
We join the other disciples and look down the slope. |
Prompter & Echoes |
Where’s that rebel? |
Peter |
Look! Judas is leading the officers of the chief priests. |
Voice |
Whom do you seek? |
Prompter & Echoes |
Jesus of Nazareth.†|
Voice |
I AM. |
Peter |
“I Am!†Moses heard that Name at the burning bush |
Voice |
Put up your sword, Peter. |
Peter |
Jesus surrenders himself to them! |
Prompter & Echoes |
For our salvation! |