God-centered prayer is a daily reliance on his provision, forgiveness and protection.
But often our prayer can be reactive rather than proactive. Prayer is not just for the storms in our lives, but also preparation for the storms of life. We see this in Jesus’ teaching, on prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was coming into a time of intense pressure and persecution. So, what can we learn?
Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” (Mark 14:35-36)
Jesus cries out to his Father who has and continues to love him perfectly across all eternity. In this time of building stress, and knowing full well the storm ahead, Jesus seeks an intimate conversation with his Father.
Do you pray intimately to God as Father?
“…everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” (Mark 14:36)
Jesus prays with a confidence in who he is praying to. God can do the impossible, so Jesus prayed with a confidence in God’s ability. I wonder how many times we limit our prayers, pursing only those things that we can accomplish on our own.
Do you have a confidence that God can do the impossible?
“Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36)
God can do the impossible, but it is his choice in what he does. God’s ability to do the impossible should cause our prayers for the impossible to soar. But his sovereignty and wisdom should keep us grounded. Jesus shows us what it looks like to surrender our hearts and to run headfirst into obedience.
What do your prayers reveal about the focus of your will?
As we learn to pray with an intimacy and unlimited expectation, our will and motivation for praying will be tested.
May we be a church family who daily cry out to our Father, asking big, with hearts that are being shaped by His will.
Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36)