Scripture reading: Matthew 26:36–46

Gethsemane

Not as I will but as you will. (Matthew 26:39)

The atmosphere is filled with dread As doubt and fear rush through my head.

Things have gone from bad to worse, My life feels like it has been cursed. So here I come to bow my knee, And seek you, Lord—Gethsemane.

My friends who came to help me weep Augment my pain! They’re fast asleep.

So in this garden all alone,

I bow before my Father’s throne And place again my confidence In him who is my Sure Defense.

“Remove this cup,” I plead in prayer; “The pain is more than I can bear.

Can’t you see my misery? Will you not deliver me? Father God to you I bow;

Hear me, hold me, save me now!”

Lord, when I’ve prayed this way before (A thousand times, and maybe more)

You always granted my request

And gave to me your very best. I know your promises are true

So show the world what you can do!

“Drink this cup,” was all I heard. “Lord, don’t you have another word?

All my life I’ve lived for you; Everything I say and do . . .”

“Drink this cup,” he said again; “Abba, yes—I understand.”

You too have your Gethsemane. And as you journey, soon or late,

You The lesson here is plain to see: too must pass this garden gate;

And in a lonely place of prayer Do battle with some dark despair.

But if the only prayer you pray

Is “Lord, please take this cup away” Then say “Amen” . . . you’ll never see The purpose of Gethsemane!

Life’s greatest battle can’t be won ‘Til you can say, “Your will be done.”

It is not so true that “prayer changes things”

as that prayer changes me and I change things. . . .

Prayer is not a question of altering things externally,

but of working wonders in a man’s disposition.—Oswald Chambers

point to ponder • Victory with God comes through surrender.

prayer focus • Where is your will at cross purposes with God’s will?