Keep Watch and Pray

It was within the gate of Gethsemane,
Before the approach of the enemy,
Christ challenged His chosen, for their own sake,
To keep watch and pray, and to stay awake.

Because, in the night, the traitor will come
Bearing the kiss of a silver ransom.
Bringing along the sword and the spear,
Causing the faithful to fly out of fear.

Forsaking our Lord and running affright
In the increasingly dangerous night,
They fled from the Master, who called them friend,
Only to weep bitter tears in the end.

So keep watch and pray, and please stay awake,
Lest you are tempted to flee and forsake
The One who atoned for you, and for me,
Alone on a cross upon Calvary.

This poem was a finalist in the March 2012 poetry contest