That is why Peter is such a good saint to pray to. He knows what it is to be brave in the morning and a coward by night, and to be given another chance anyway.
Historical Context
After the Resurrection, Jesus met Peter on the beach and asked him three times, “Lovest thou me?” Three questions for three denials. Each time Peter answered, Jesus gave him a job: “Feed my sheep.” Forgiveness came with a mission attached.
A Prayer to St Peter for Courage
St Peter, you walked on water until you looked at the waves.
Pray for me now, when I am looking at the waves.
Help me keep my eyes on Jesus,
and when I start to sink, let me cry out the way you did:
“Lord, save me.”
Amen.
A Prayer After Failing
St Peter, you denied him three times and wept bitterly.
I have failed too, and I am ashamed.
Pray that I hear what you heard on the beach:
not condemnation, but “Do you love me?”
Let me answer yes, and get back to work.
Amen.
A Prayer for the Pope and the Church
St Peter, first shepherd of the Church,
pray for the Pope, your successor,
and for all bishops and priests.
Give them courage, wisdom and holiness,
and keep the Church faithful to Christ.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- After a failure, especially one you’re ashamed of.
- When fear is keeping you from doing what’s right.
- On 29 June, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
- On 22 February, the Chair of St Peter, for the Pope.
Scripture Connection
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? … Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17
Jesus did not ask Peter to explain himself. He asked about love, and then gave him work to do. That is how forgiveness looks in the Gospels: not a lecture, but a fresh start with a purpose.
Related prayers
His fellow apostle and martyr has a page too: the Saint Paul Prayer. Peter’s brother is on the Saint Andrew Prayer page, and for the sea he fished, the Fisherman Prayer.