In the Garden of Gethsemane

Dear friend

If ever there was a passage of scripture that should be pondered over and over, it is surely the account of the Lord praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is so much to learn and to love. There are so many inspiring insights that allow us access to the divine nature. The words lead us to adore the Saviour more and more. One version is from the New Testament, Luke 22:39-44.

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke says He "went, as he was wont". So Jesus had a special place where he liked to go to speak with His Father. Maybe we should have a special prayer place too?

As with the exemplary "Lord's Prayer", at this critical time He reminds His escorting disciples to pray to avoid temptation. Isn't that counsel still so relevant, so fundamental?

Jesus prayed to His Father in like manner to our praying; on His knees. He understood the enormity and universally unique trial He was about to face and asked if He could avoid it. We too don't always get out of our trials when we ask. Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will. Do we?

The Father sent an angel, someone to help Jesus through the struggle. He will do the same for us if we need it.

He "prayed more earnestly". What a thought! Even Christ could discover a deeper well within Himself to draw from. Do we know how to dig deep in prayer when things get tough?

The agony caused a physical reaction. Do our worries (or sins) make us ill sometimes? The body and the spirit are intimately intertwined.

I hope we will return often to God's garden to share that moment with Him. Of all the places we might go to discover Him, this is where we learn of Him at His most vulnerable and at His most powerful.

Samuel.