Refreshing Prayer

This had been a draining experience. A night different from any other. Jesus had tried to prepare His disciples for the future, but they still did not understand. Demonstrating that this was no ordinary time, He told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation” (v. 40).

Jesus did that very thing Himself. He “was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (v. 44). But through this prayer time, Jesus was refreshed and strengthened.

But the disciples had an opposite experience. They prayed but then fell asleep. While Jesus was strengthened, they were “exhausted” and not prepared for the trials they would face.

Jesus found that He gained strength as He spent time in the presence of the Father as He surrendered to His will. In contrast, the disciples experienced the limits of their human strength and quickly became worn out. They failed to understand that those who seek God could be strengthened because His supply is endless.

As you face life’s challenges, make sure you focus on God. Surrender your will to His. Share your concerns, fears, and questions with Him. Pray with conviction, intensity, and persistence. Pray until you feel you have the answers and peace you need. Pray until you feel renewed, strengthened, and ready to face the situations before you. Pray until you are confident that you are ready.