Could you not stay awake with me one hour?
Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;
the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
—Matthew 26.40-41
I slip into forgetting sleep,
a deadness I seek,
a trance of avoidance,
distraction’s pleasant coma.
I am numb to your world, O Christ,
to your suffering, your love,
unconscious of you here.
Awaken me.
Breathe yourself into me
and rouse me
from my fearful distance.
Let even pain keep me awake,
attentive to your pain
in all who hurt,
your love keep me alert
to love in all your forms.
Grant me this simple gift,
all you ask:
that I may stay awake,
trusting I am not orphaned,
and pray with you,
so earnestly praying for me
and all the world.
just stay awake my little time
and pray with you.
Let all my waking hours
be wakeful hours.