Easter has passed. God’s heart for our heart is present. So a few more thoughts from the Easter narrative recorded in Luke.

“Wise men and women are always learning,
always listening for fresh insights.”
Proverbs 18:15, The Message (italics mine)

A suggestion:  Have you read Lent – Continuing the Journey?  

You might want to click back and read it first. This is chapter two of my story based on the words of Luke 22:39-46.

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39. “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives,
and the disciples followed him. 40. And when he came to the place*, he said to them,
‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’
41. And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,
42. saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’
43. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly;
and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45. And he rose from prayer,
he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46. and he said to them,
‘Why are you sleeping?
Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.'”

LISTEN

As I listened to this passage, several things called for my attention.

Going to the Garden of *Gethsemane, was Jesus’ habit. Luke knew it was important that we noted, “as was his custom”. Possibly the place wasn’t the important thing, but that Jesus had a habit of prayer.

Jesus invited his friends, his disciples into a sacred space. He came to Gethsemane for time of prayer alone with his Father. A time alone, but a time with his disciples. Once they arrived, Jesus’ words were, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And then he moved a stone’s throw away to be alone. However, a stone’s throw is not far. Had the disciples stayed awake, they would have heard Jesus’ prayer.

Am I listening to Jesus’ words in my times of prayer?

“God speaks in the silence of the heart.
Listening is the beginning of prayer.”
Mother Teresa

ENGAGE

And so I ponder …

What was the temptation Jesus was warning the disciples of?
If Jesus moved only a stone’s throw away, why did he not just stay with the disciples?

NOTICE

Repetitions: Twice Jesus says “Pray that you may not enter into temptation”.
Repetitions signal importance. Was Jesus referring to the importance of staying awake? Was he referring to Peter’s future denial? Or …?

Nevertheless: A seemingly insignificant word. NO! Nevertheless is the bridge between Jesus’ request and his heart. He voluntarily and obediently submitted his will to God’s.

The character of God: “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him”: Jesus’ prayer must have pleased God. God affirmed him. Jesus felt invited to pray even more earnestly.

TRUST

What temptation might Jesus want me to be aware of today?
What do I continually hear over and over again from God?
What is the “nevertheless” prayer Jesus is asking me to pray?
Am I experiencing the character of God as I bring my requests to Him?
What does God want me to trust Him with today?

These four principles often anchor my time with God. I wonder, what stands out to you as you listen, engage, notice, and trust God. You might want to spend some time listening to God, practicing these principles through whatever passage you are currently reading.

Copyright: Sue Tell, March 2023