Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again he went away for the second time and prayed, "My father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Them he came into the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand."

Matthew 26:40-46

Jesus went to Gethsemane and He asked His disciples to pray with Him as He too prayed. He asked three times for His burden to be relieved, and in each prayer He said, "If this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." When we pray it should be the same way. It is not about our will, it is about God’s will.

Jesus made His request in humble submission to His Father saying, "Your will be done." That should be our guiding principle in prayer. Whatever He grants will prove in the end to be the best of blessings.

Instead of trying to twist God’s arm,

put yourself in His hands.

Our Daily Bread – March 5, 2004