1. JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN OF SORROW

Read Matthew 26:36-50

The gospels emphasize the agony of Jesus in the Garden. Luke adds that Jesus was so intense in prayer that His sweat became like drops of blood. He told His disciples that He was “overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death.” Jesus prayed three times as He struggled with surrender and pleaded with His Father to take away the coming horror of crucifixion. But the Father, who loved Jesus immeasurably could not and would not change the course set before Him. Why? Because it was the only way to bring salvation to us and all of humanity whom the Father also loves beyond measure.

In the end Jesus surrendered and prayed for the Father’s will to be done. Is there an area of your life you need to surrender to God? Do you realize how much the Father loves you? Use one of the provided prayer cards to write out your prayer of thanks and/or surrender and hang it on the “Prayer Wall” as you leave the garden.

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank You for loving me so much that You had Jesus suffer and die to secure my salvation. I ask for the courage and strength to surrender all to Your will. Help me to put aside my own desires and plans in order to yield to Your will for my life. Amen.