April 7 - Praying on the Mount of Olives

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When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, 

he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "

What are you sleeping?" he asked them. 

"Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Luke 22:45,46

Prayer comes in many forms and various fashions throughout the day. It can look drastically different from one person to the next. Some Moms pray at a specific time each morning while others say short prayers throughout the day as time allows. When was the last time you prayed like Jesus on the top of the Mount of Olives? Christ prayed so earnestly that tears fell from him like blood falling to the ground (v44). Jesus was in so much anguish over the situation surrounding his life that He cried out to His Father for God's will to be done. I am struck by this passage because despite his pain and sorrow Jesus wasn't asking for God to fix His situation. He was asking for God to give Him strength and for God's will to be done. I am humbled and yet empowered. 

No longer making requests in your prayers is a difficult task. It is often hard to accept that you will not get what you want. That is why we have faith and trust in our Lord. His will and plan for our life is better and more perfect than we could ever imagine. All we have to do is have faith! Your Heavenly Father will not leave you in times of trouble. Give yourself honestly to God in prayer. Cry out to Him in anguish, if needed. He is listening. 

What steps can you take today to improve your praying relationship with God?

Read Luke 22:39-46

Pray as you feel led today. Fall to your knees, cry out, whatever you need, He is listening.