Read Matthew: 26:36-56

On the night before Jesus would face the cross, He went to a place called Gethsemane to commune with the Father. Going to Gethsemane was a regular pattern of Jesus, “Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.” Luke 22:39

Communing with the Father prepared Jesus to face His destiny. Jesus said to eleven of the disciples,

“Sit here while I go and pray over there.” Matthew 26:36

Only Heaven knows why Peter, James, and John were chosen to go with Jesus. We do know these three were witnesses to the glory and majesty of the Transfigurations. Matthew 17:1-13. Was this an opportunity for the three to be eyewitnesses of the human struggle Jesus endured that night? See, Isaiah 53:3. In the dark of night, Jesus prayed privately, but He was not alone, Heaven heard His prayers.

During the private prayer Jesus “fell on His face.” His posture illustrated the brevity of the moment. Jesus knew He was about to face the most horrific pain imaginable, as well as the most unimaginable suffering. The multi-layer sufferings were both physical and spiritual.

“And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6b.

The prayer of Jesus was precise;

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39.

The cup was not death, Jesus came to earth TO die. Various biblical scholars conclude the cup mentioned in verse 39 is the cup of judgment for sin. This term was used in the Old Testament as a cup filled with wine to represent the coming judgment of God as seen in Psalm 75:8. (Enduringword.com.)

Jesus was destined to drink the cup of judgment for all of mankind.

Observe Jesus the God/Man struggle in the Garden, what can we learn? Jesus taught us during the dark night of the soul we need to pray a prayer of lament.

A lament is not the cute dry eye prayer; a lament is an outpouring of the heart on your face bawling before the LORD. The sentiment being, God, you alone can help me with this burden.

Believers must have a pattern of prayer:

• We can be assured of Heaven hearing our prayers. 1 John 5:14
• We can share our heartache with a few close friends. James 5:16a (sins, hurts, needs)
• We pray privately. Matthew 6:6
• We are never alone when we pray. Romans 8:26-27, 34
• We have angels who minister to us. Hebrews 1:14
• When necessary, pray, prostrate and lament. Numbers 20:6 Jeremiah 9:20.

Read then journal: about truths about a prayer of lament in Psalm 77

Share: Write a Scripture Prayer from any verse(s) in Psalm 77

Prayer Starter:

Psalm 77:1 Dear Heavenly Father, I cry out to you for help, I cried out to You to hear me. (Continue with your private prayer) Amen