Day 8: With Jesus in Gethsemane (Part 2)

Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.

Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.

Today we return to Gethsemane, focusing this time on Jesus' prayer to the Father and the Father's response. As you read, imagine you are within sight of Jesus as he prays. Where is he? What is his posture? What expressions do you see on his face? Listen to his prayer: What does he ask for, and how does he sound as he asks?

Jesus' prayers here were desperate. Read the passage one more time, imagining once more that you are present as Jesus prays.

The Father's answer to Jesus' prayer is "no." His prayer ends as his betrayer arrives to hand him over, and he must drink the cup.

As you close this time of prayer, consider what you might want to say to Jesus, and share that with him.

Reflection Questions

Personal reflection:

As you consider your own circumstances, can you identify with the sorrow and agony Jesus may have felt as he returned to the Father with his prayer? What is it like to watch Jesus suffer as he prays?

Community discussion:

Have you experienced God's "no" or "not yet" in your own struggles? What is it like to sit with Jesus, knowing he has experienced this, too?

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