Matthew 26:36-46
“Sit here
while I go over there and pray.” ...My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as
Thou wilt.”
The snarled
old olive trees (below in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem) did not provide a welcoming hospitable, cozy place, but it was quiet.
During Jesus time this must have been a tranquil spot since it is noted that
Jesus brought his disciples there often. To ponder, to find peace, to pray.
There in the Garden on the evening of the last supper, the
disciples were to keep watch---to stay awake and be alert---and to pray. But they fell asleep. They had just had a big Passover meal. They
were full, it was late and the Garden was dark.
As they waited for Jesus, they fell asleep. Right when He needed them to be
praying---they slept. He asked them,
“Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” (NIV) When was the last
time you prayed for an entire hour? I imagine you got sleepy, too. We have had
several times at our church in the last couple of years where we have been
called to pray for an hour or even for just a half hour at a time. Few people
sign up for an entire hour. They just don’t think they can do it, but all
things are possible with God. If you are
asked to pray for an hour---don’t decline the opportunity. Just as Jesus wanted His disciples to watch
and pray, so as not to fall into temptation (v. 41), He wants you to be devoted
to Him and to prayer, too. Make a list
of the things you want to pray about and scripture that matches those prayer
topics. Then pray.
Jesus wanted
the cup to pass from Him, but He sought to do His Father’s will. That is what we need to do, too. Seek God’s will in your life. That is a big
task in itself, but it is one that is doable on a moment by moment basis. Jesus
was giving His life---at that moment, He was being submissive to His
Father. Can you be submissive to God’s
will today?
Heavenly Father, show me what it is that You
want me to do for you today.
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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