Reflection: Let us Pray
Let us pray. These are words that are said as a prelude to a communal prayer. The prayer can be a prayer of petition, asking God for his assistance and guidance or a request for His mercy and grace; a prayer of intercession, praying on behalf of another for healing and strength; or a prayer of praise and thanksgiving – recognizing the gifts and the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
There are many examples of prayer in the Bible. One examples that is frequently discussed is found in the book of Matthew 26:36-44 when Jesus and his disciples went into the garden of Gethsemane prior to his arrest and the crucifixion. If you recall, Jesus told his disciples to sit while he went away to pray. He asked Peter and two unnamed disciples to go with him and in his words to “stay with me – keep watch with me.” He was filled with grief and pain. He felt profound sadness. He was in despair and inner turmoil. His was full of disturbing emotions and his thoughts were troubling. During this prayer, he falls prostrate to the ground and prays and offers these petitions: “Do you really want this to happen? Is it your will?” I imagine that Jesus time in the garden is similar to the times that I have been distraught and bothered. These were times when I prayed to God by questioning him for the pain in my life. I’m reminded of times when I wake up in the middle of the night and get down on my knees to pray. There is a feeling of profound sadness, worry, or sorrow. Perhaps, we are grieving over a major loss or a disappointment. Or maybe it is because as a mother of a child who has lost his or her way, we feel their hurt and pain. This might be a personal failure, a lost opportunity, or news of a new medical diagnosis. Whatever the cause, these moments are "gut wrenching"; full of pain that tears you apart and causes despair. We can only imagine what it was like for Jesus.
As the story continues, Jesus returned to his disciples who are waiting for him. Jesus has now gained some peace. His spirit was lifted. He admonished the disciples and instructed them to watch and pray. But the work of the prayer is not finished. He returns to his place in the garden and continues to pray. This second prayer is a prayer of submission. Jesus says, “Your will be done.” The scripture reports that he goes away for a third time and prays using the same words. He returns again to his disciples with a sense of acceptance, “the hour is at hand.” His pain is even lighter as he understands the meaning of his sacrifice.
When we examine this occurrence of Jesus’ prayer life, we notice several important factors. First of all, Jesus goes to a garden to pray, a place of solitude. In Jesus’ time it is likely that this was an olive orchard that was is surrounded by a brick wall. We usually associate a garden with beauty and peace. It is a place where nature and God is united. A place where there is a release from the work of the day. In my recent trip to the Holy Land, the garden of Gethsemane is on a hill (Mount of Olive) and is filled with flowering plants and trees. Secondly, Jesus goes to a secluded spot in the garden to pray alone but his disciples are nearby. He asks them to watch, wait, and pray. He is not disconnected from others but he does seek God in solitude. There is the felt presence of God in the garden. Even in this place, the flesh can overcome the spirit and the disciples fall sleep. Jesus prays three times, his first prayer is a prayer of questioning in anguish and sadness. In the second and third prayers, his burdens are lifted and he accepts God’s will. Jesus comments, “My will given up for thy will.” I know how difficult it is to overcome my desires and wishes of my flesh and to let go of my will and accept God’s. Is Jesus showing us the way?
The scripture that was read this morning, James 5:13-18 describes a litany of reasons for us to pray. We ask for relief for our afflictions and suffering. We pray when we are glad and full of joy. We pray for the healing of the sick among us. We pray for restoration and forgiveness of sins for the offenses we have committed against others. Elijah shows us another example of praying from his human nature – our flesh, our feelings, and our will. He continues to pray earnestly and after three years he sees the results of his prayers.
We learn that we must pray repeatedly and frequently. We must pray earnestly from our spirits and not out of our wills. We must pray fervently. We pray when the depths of our souls are writhing in pain. We pray in solitude. We do not control the timing nor do we know the outcomes of our prayers. God answers our prayers in his time and not our own. We have faith that he will provide for us and supply our needs. We know that our flesh is weak. We must surrender our will to God’s will and be fully open to the communion with God.
Amen
Reflection written by Inez Tuck © Permission of author required for use.
Photos taekn during my time in the Holy Land and visit to Gethsemane in 2008. Notice the proximity of the Dome of the Rock. This area is sacred to followers of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith traditions.
