March 22

Morning

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed. — Matt 26:39

There are several instructive features in our Savior’s prayer in His hour of trial.

It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from His three favored disciples. Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice. These are very precious but the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.

It was humble prayer. Luke says He knelt but another evangelist says He “fell on His face.” Where, then, must be YOUR place, O humble servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover your head! Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God—unless we abase ourselves that He may exalt us in due time.

It was filial prayer. “Abba, Father.” You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to a father’s protection. Be not afraid to say, “My Father—hear my cry!”

Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease not—until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow, whose continual coming earned what her first supplication could not win. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. “Nevertheless, not as I will but as you will.” Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills and God will determine for the best. Be content to leave your prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately—yet with humility and resignation, you shall surely prevail.

Evening

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. — John 17:24

O death! why do you touch the tree beneath whose spreading branches, weariness has rest? Why do you snatch away the excellent of the earth, in whom is all our delight? If you must use your axe, use it upon the trees which yield no fruit—you might be thanked then. But why will you strike down the goodly cedars of Lebanon? O stay your axe and spare the righteous.

But no, it must not be! Death smites the goodliest of our friends; the most generous, the most prayerful, the most holy, the most devoted—must die. And why? It is through Jesus’ prevailing prayer — “Father, I will that they also, whom You have given Me—be with Me where I am.” It is that which bears them on eagle’s wings to heaven. Every time a believer mounts from this earth to paradise—it is an answer to Christ’s prayer. A good old divine remarks, “Many times Jesus and His people pull against one another in prayer. You bend your knee in prayer and say ‘Father, I will that Your saints be with me where I am’; Christ says, ‘Father, I will that they also, whom You have given Me—be with Me where I am.’” Thus the disciple is at cross-purposes with his Lord. The soul cannot be in both places: the beloved one cannot be with Christ and with you too. Now, which pleader shall win the day? If you had your choice; if the King should step from His throne, and say, “Here are two supplicants praying in opposition to one another, which shall be answered?” Oh! I am sure, though it were agony, you would start from your feet, and say, “Jesus, not my will but Yours be done.” You would give up your prayer for your loved one’s life, if you could realize the thoughts that Christ is praying in the opposite direction — “Father, I will that they also, whom You have given Me—be with Me where I am.” Lord, You shall have them. By faith we let them go.