Good morning dear
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is portrayed differently by each Gospel writer. We’ve looked at some versions already, and now we will grapple in today’s Holy Nougat with Jesus’ travailing prayer:
“And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground.” Luke 22:44 AMP
What could have produced such a profound impact on our Lord? It seems that it would be more than the regular anxiety of dying. Especially since we’re told He His agony was almost to the point of death.
Whereas many are undecided about the probability of this as a natural occurrence; most are agreed on the intensity of Jesus’ prayer. Although I have never personally experienced such intense prayer, I am aware that there are those who pray long and hard, even through the night.
What stirs this depth of passion in anyone? A parent worried about a child’s well-being or welfare; someone who has hit rock bottom; someone needing to make a major decision and conflicted about the outcomes?
All of the above? None?
For that I have no single answer. But I think Jesus time in prayer serves as proof that there’s nothing too intense or too heavy to bring to our God. We can talk to God on our own behalf or we intercede for others.
One evangelist, John Hyde, is reported to have prayed so intensely for revival in India that his heart dislocated! There’s also Father Nash, who committed himself to gather with like minds in travailing prayer for evangelist Finney, even to the point of nosebleeds … There’s Teresa of Avila, John Wesley, Roger Schütz, Zinzendorf and several others who have emulated that intense prayer; with positive outcomes. Interestingly, none were praying for themselves!
This is not to deny the value of praying for oneself. But it also suggests that the intensity of Jesus’ prayer may suggest a shift to Him praying for the beneficiaries of His crucifixion – us. And those who believe(d) before and after us. But that’s speculation. What we do know is that Jesus took whatever concerns He still had TO God, rather than those around Him. He poured His heart out as He travailed in prayer.
It is possible that in praying that long and hard might not change our circumstances; but it is likely to change us. Hopefully, for the better. And if our prayer is for others, such intensity ought to realize some kind of transformation. I guess the question is – for what are we so heavily burdened that we would invest in travailing prayer? In Christ’s love and grace . . .
