March 22

Morning

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.” — Matt 26:39 BSB

There are several important lessons in our Savior’s prayer during His hour of trial.

First, it was a solitary prayer. He even withdrew from His three closest disciples. Believer, spend much time in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, group prayer, and prayer in the Church are all important, but the best incense rises in your personal devotions, where no one hears but God.

Second, it was a humble prayer. Luke says Jesus knelt, but another Gospel says He “fell on His face.” Where should you be, O humble servant of your great Master? Should not your head be covered in dust and ashes? Humility gives us a firm foundation in prayer. There is no hope of success with God unless we humble ourselves so that He may lift us up in His time.

Third, it was a filial prayer. “Abba, Father.” In times of trial, you will find great strength in remembering your adoption. You have no rights as a subject—you’ve forfeited them by your rebellion—but nothing can take away a child’s right to a father’s protection. Don’t be afraid to say, “My Father, hear my cry!”

Notice that it was a persevering prayer. Jesus prayed three times. Don’t stop until you succeed. Be like the persistent widow, whose continual pleading achieved what her first request could not. Continue in prayer, and stay alert with thanksgiving.

Lastly, it was a prayer of submission. “Nevertheless, not as I will but as You will.” Surrender, and God will answer. Let it be according to His will, and He will decide what is best. Be content to leave your prayer in His hands, for He knows when to give, how to give, what to give, and what to withhold. By praying earnestly, persistently, yet with humility and submission, you will surely prevail.

Evening

Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. — John 17:24 BSB

O death, why do you cut down the tree under whose branches the weary find rest? Why do you take away the best of the earth, those in whom all our joy is found? If you must wield your axe, why not use it on the fruitless trees? We might even thank you then. But why do you strike the beautiful cedars of Lebanon? O stop your axe and spare the righteous!

But no, it cannot be! Death strikes down the best of our friends—the most generous, the most prayerful, the most holy, the most devoted—must die. Why? It’s because of Jesus’ prevailing prayer—“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am.” It’s that prayer that carries them on eagle’s wings to heaven. Every time a believer ascends from earth to paradise, it’s an answer to Christ’s prayer. An old preacher once said, “Many times Jesus and His people pray against each other. You kneel and pray, ‘Father, I want Your saints to stay with me where I am,’ while Christ prays, ‘Father, I want them to be with Me where I am.’” And so, the disciple is at odds with the Lord. The soul can’t be in both places: your loved one can’t be with Christ and with you at the same time. Now, which prayer will be answered? If you had the choice—if the King Himself stepped down from His throne and said, “Here are two prayers in opposition, which one should I answer?” Oh, I’m sure, though it would cause you pain, you would rise to your feet and say, “Jesus, not my will but Yours be done.” You would let go of your prayer for your loved one’s life if you could truly understand that Christ is praying for them to be with Him. Lord, You can have them. By faith, we release them to You.