Your words…

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow – to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So couldn’t you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:36-41.

My words…

Praise

Father, when I think of Gethsemane, I see the setting of the preamble of the holy declaration, the definitive affirmation of Your love for Your creation. It was just an olive grove, a secluded place set off from the city of Jerusalem. Yet never had any garden on earth been the focal point of so much power. Jesus wasn’t alone. Father, You were there; it was Your will that illuminated the road to Golgatha. Your Spirit was there, strengthening Jesus to endure the weight of every sin that had or will be committed and still have the physical strength to carry his own cross. And Satan was there, wasn’t he? He wouldn’t miss the opportunity to cast his net of torment over Jesus. He belittled the Plan. He poked holes in its soundness. I’m sure he offered all manner of revisions. You willed. Jesus submitted. The Spirit strengthened. Satan tempted. Angels hovered. The disciples slept.

Prayer for me

I am somewhat validated by the fact that the disciples gave in to their weak flesh when they should have been spiritually on guard. I give in all the time. But I also struggle with double weakness. Not only is my flesh unwilling, there are times when my spirit is unwilling as well. What a wretch I am! I need the strength to remain on guard, and I earnestly pray for a inpouring of nourishment from the Spirit.

Forgive me

Forgive me when I have been called upon to watch and pray, and I have fallen asleep, or have put it off, or have forgotten altogether. Watching and praying – the roadblock to entering into temptation. Forgive me when I walk around it.

Prayer for others

I love that Jesus was so concerned for His disciples all through his agonizing ordeal in the garden. He was teaching them right up until the end. He knew they would need to learn to watch and pray if they were to spread His message of love and safety to a lost generation. I pray for Your disciples the world over. What a beautiful body of spirits! Help us all to be willing, both in spirit and flesh, to keep our eyes and hearts open to those living without You. 

Gratitude and Praise

Father, You planned for the scene in Gethsemane before you separated light from darkness. There was no other way, and You knew it. You are One with the Son and the Spirit. You all recognized the destruction of sin and its horrific effect on Your lovely creation. You all suffered together, Your agony manifested in the drops of blood seeping through the pores of Jesus. The host of heaven stood ready to block the path to Calvary, but they knew You would never allow it, and, for that, they praised Your holy name. As do I.