Lord,
You knew what lay ahead of You –
humiliation, torture, agony
and eventually,
death.
In the meantime
You were trying to overcome
feelings of terror and trepidation.

You were being asked
to subject yourself
to a violent and brutal execution.
And did you ask Your Father
to let you opt out?
Well, You thought about it
but decided against it.
Instead, You decided
to make the ultimate sacrifice
for us.

But in Your humanity
You did ask for one thing,
one small thing –
company.
You asked your closet companions
to stay awake,
to watch for one hour
so that you wouldn’t have
to face this ordeal
all on Your own.

Even that small luxury
was denied to you
as your companions,
unaware of what lay ahead,
fell asleep one by one.
You were left to endure
a long night of terror, dread and distress
all on Your own.

Three times
you approached your companions
seeking the solace of friends.
Three times
you were disappointed
and You were forced to confront
the longest and most dreadful of nights
all on Your own.

(c) Claire Murray