Jesus’ Two-Sided Prayer

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

“Jesus’ Two-Sided Prayer”

                Jesus’ prayer life was very from outs. He lived prayer-

with every breath he took. Often Jesus needed to be encouraged to eat because he worked hard. Yet he stated, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” John 4:32. I don’t think Jesus had a stash of candy anywhere- but what sustained him was his prayer relationship with God the Father.

                Jesus prayed on many occasions but one of the most contentious times of prayer that he had was when he agonized in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. He called to God the father for help yet asked this in two ways.  He prays“Take this cup from me; yet not my will buy yours be done.” Luke 22:42

                One can imagine the setting—in the darkest time of the night is Jesus praying outside. He is tired after celebrating Passover with his closest friends. After showing them humility and wonder at washing their feet and teaching them through these actions, Jesus must be tired. He did not stop teaching. Even as Judas slipped away from the group Jesus knew that he needed to stop and pray.

                After the celebration of Passover he probably them that he needed to pray and so they all went to this Garden. They did not know why Judas had left all they knew is that Jesus was going to pray and so they went to a familiar location. Jesus asks the disciples to stay awake and be on alert for others and for him. Yet they doze while Jesus kneels, face toward heaven and prays. Here Jesus is sitting in the dirt bent over and praying. He is working hard his body temperature rises as he sweats and yet others found it cool. Then Jesus prays that prayer that gives God two options—take this cup from me; OR your will be done. Don’t force me to do this, but I will, if I have to!

                Just think about the inner struggle Jesus had leading up to time when the soldiers who were to arrest him. He is growing tired each moment that goes by and He does not sleep. Does He ask God to be lenient on him to tell him ‘it’s ok- you don’t have to do for the sake of others;’ go back to the carpentry shop! No! Even though the way to the cross will be filled with beatings, whipping and fatigue Jesus was preparing himself. He wants the Father to let the plans play out so that he will be crucified for the sake of everyone then and now.

                Each time hear those words—take this cup and not my will but yours, we might ask, do we pray with two possible outcomes so that we are asking God to choose between yes or no as in a kiosk menu. Or are we earnestly praying that God will help us to see all the sides of the situations in order that we might decide in the way of Jesus according to God the Father’s plan.

                Jesus prayer calls us to think about how and what we are really asking for in our life. With God, we are not merely filling out a form to get what we want. Growing in faith does not enable this to happen. Growing in faith calls us to know who we are and what we are searching for with God’s guidance and strength.

PRAYER   God help us as we struggle with two sided prayers when in reality we know what our actions should be. Help us to see who we are and to know again that God calls us to serve and be and do what is right in His sight. Continue to teach us to pray so that we will know the will of God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.