Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane: What lessons can we learn from it? In it, a new theme is introduced: Do not give up even if you feel you have failed the Lord. Be fervent in your prayer. Be honest with yourself about your feelings.
Do not give up if you have failed the Lord
Romans 8:28Â ESV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Failure will build endurance. So if you have failed the Lord, don’t give up. In fact, failure will help you become a better person. The Lord will not abandon you. He will still be there for you even when you don’t feel like it. If you keep on trying, you will eventually succeed. But in the meantime, you must remember to keep your eyes on Him. Listed below are some tips that will help you overcome failure and remain faithful to the Lord.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Failure in the Lord’s Kingdom is something everyone has to go through. The Lord is a relationship-driven God who wants to get to know you. This is reflected in the Bible, where we can read stories of people failing God. God often uses those failures to help others succeed. Therefore, even if you have failed the Lord, don’t give up!
Be alert
Luke 21:36 ESV But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, you can be sure that he was in an agonizing situation. Although the word ‘gloom’ means to be miserable and sad, the actual phrase means to bare the soul. It was at this moment that Jesus’ prayer to his Father was most heartfelt. In other words, he was praying to ask the Father to spare him from his suffering.
We learn this phrase from the words ‘watch and pray.’ The phrase derives from the Greek root word gregoreuo, meaning to pay special attention and prevent a terrible disaster. In Mark 14:38, Jesus tells his disciples to watch and pray so that they will not fall into temptation. The disciples are not immune to temptation because they fear Jewish leaders more than God. When they reject the news of Jesus’ resurrection, they are also vulnerable to temptation.
While we do not know what caused Jesus’ agony, we can be sure that the disciples heard Him praying. Even though they were sleeping, they were close enough to hear him. Their proximity meant that they were within 25 to 30 feet of him. As a result, they could have heard his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. That was the moment Jesus invited us to pray in the same way.
The disciples face temptation in Luke’s Gospel. The betrayer has already left to alert the Jewish court, and everything is set for the last act of Jesus’ earthly ministry. So, be alert when Jesus prays in Gethsemane. In order to be safe and protected, we must be alert and pray in private. This prayer is our armor against temptation. When we do, we are more likely to resist temptation.
Be fervent in your prayer
Ephesians 6:18Â ESV Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, he did so alone, withdrawing from his three closest friends to pray alone. That solitude is what makes fervent prayer so powerful. When he prayed, he aligned himself with God and communed with Him, which ultimately changed circumstances and the lives of those around him. Jesus preached that we should have faith, “Moves mountains”, and countless examples of deep prayer requests are found in the Bible.
The words “be fervent” come from the Greek word “agonizomai,” which is related to the English word “agony.” This phrase was used to describe Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane. This verse also tells us that prayer is an act of competition, which is evident in the word “labor.” In the Lord’s Prayer, we read that Jesus had been praying in agony three times. His prayer was so fervent that even Satan was resisting Him.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus told his disciples to be fervent in their prayer. In fact, his prayer prompted the destruction of fig trees and caused mountains to move. His faith is so powerful, contrasting with the disciples’ utter lack of faith. However, despite these difficulties, Jesus knew his mission was essential and that His followers must be committed to it.
Some Christians have trouble with these verses because they make Jesus seem too human. But Jesus was really human, despite his fear and anxiety. He was truly scared of death, but this doesn’t make Him less God or less human. The Bible doesn’t allow us to understand the full extent of Jesus’ prayer. It’s impossible to understand how Jesus felt, but we can appreciate the meaning of His words.
Be honest about your feelings
Ephesians 6:18Â ESV Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Before you begin your prayer, make a chart of your emotions. Write down your top three and pray about them before praying. Remember, Jesus prayed for his disciples’ needs, but what about yours? Be honest about your feelings, but remember that they are not a reflection of weakness. They are a manifestation of human dignity and humility, and a way to invite your loved ones into your life.
Be obedient to God’s will
Acts 5:29 ESV But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
The key to obedience is to consider the character of God. God is worthy of praise and glory, and he demands man’s submission. His works are also worthy of his worship, and we must submit to them as well. While God’s character is the foundation for obedience, his works aren’t excluded from the equation. God’s majesty enacts this concept, affecting man’s submission.
The sum duty of the Christian religion is obedience to God. This reasonable service encompasses four matters: foundation, form, essence, and regulating principle. The practical manifestation of obedience to God’s will is a holy life. It must include all aspects of our lives. No one is exempt from this duty, so we must make every effort to fulfill it. It is a responsibility that we can’t avoid, even if we feel strongly about it.
Remember that your obedience to God makes you a terror to your enemies. Your enemies will hide and run for cover when you obey, while they’ll panic if your name is mentioned in secret meetings. As a result, obeying God’s will is contagious. It also inspires others to follow suit. Hence, obedience to God’s will can influence others to change and become obedient as well.
The way to a successful life depends on the practice of obedience to the will of God. With the backing of God, anyone can prosper. Whatever you do will succeed and prosper in your life when you obey God. Remember, eternity is short, so make every effort to obey God and the divine will. If you want to enjoy eternity with God, do not waste it sinning. And while obedience is the key to a successful life, do not underestimate the power of your covenant.
Related Bible Stories:
The Fiery Furnace – Bible Story and Life Application (Daniel 3:1-30)