Jesus Prays in the Garden

Jesus went with his disciples to a garden called Gethsemane. It was nighttime, and the hours ahead would be very difficult.

The friends walked among the olive trees.

Jesus asked them to watch and pray. He took Peter, James, and John farther into the garden, then went a little beyond them to pray alone.

He was deeply sorrowful. He spoke honestly to his Father about the suffering before him.

Jesus asked that, if possible, this painful cup might pass from him. Yet he chose his Father's will above his own wish to escape.

“Father, let your will be done.”

When he returned to his friends, he found them sleeping. They were tired and had not understood how much he needed their watchful company.

He gently urged them to pray. Then he went back to speak with his Father again.

The garden was quiet in the night.

Jesus did not stop loving us when love became costly. He trusted God and prepared to face what was coming.

We can pray when we are frightened or sad. We do not have to pretend that everything is easy.

God welcomes honest prayer, and Jesus understands how it feels to need strength for a hard task.