Luke 22: 19 - 36
It might be too vulnerable to say that at times I struggle with prayer. Many times I ask myself, “Are my prayers getting heard?” “Is anyone listening?” Sometimes I feel guilty and ask myself, “Why would God want to listen to my prayers? Why should I take up God’s time when God has a world to save?”
It is the fact that God is a relational God that keeps drawing me back to prayer. Through Scripture and life experiences, I understand God as one who goes through whatever means it takes to make a relationship with humanity possible. If God would go as low as death on a cross to be in relationship, then I have to assume this God wants to have a conversation.
It is God that keeps drawing me back to prayer.
Luke 22 tells the story of Jesus’ final hours before death. He has celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples and now he is going out into an area that appears to be a common place to spend time in prayer. It will be here in the garden on the Mount of Olives that Jesus will be arrested.
The serene garden turns into a battle field during the prayer of Jesus. A place where we go to clear our minds becomes the ground on which drops of blood will flow. A garden of serenity becomes a place of anguish.
For most of us prayer serves as preparation to a time of trial. We have a big decision to make so we ask for wisdom. We hear some bad news so we petition God for change.
And yet, for Jesus prayer is the battle. Jesus teaches that the real battle is the prayer. Once the battle is won in prayer everything that follows can be met with resolve and determination. And we see proof of that in how he walked through the trial and crucifixion with a resilience and determination.
There is a lot at stake in these days ahead. I want to invite you to join us in praying for our community, our state, our nation, and our world.
Pray for our essential workers in the healthcare field that are risking it all to keep us healthy.
Pray for the truckers and factory workers that are keeping our economy moving.
Pray for our churches and faith leaders as they ask for compassionate wisdom in how best to be in ministry to the community.
Pray for our local, state, and national political leaders as they discern wisdom in making right decisions for the sake of us all.
I believe God works through prayer. Our prayers matter. Join us on the battle ground in praying God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
I encourage you to finish this prayer: Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer for…”
Pastor Jamey Prickett