Morning By Morning #82

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed.

Matthew 26:39

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

We can learn a great deal from the instructive characteristics of our Savior’s prayer during this time of severe trial. The first thing to note is that it was “lonely prayer,” for He withdrew from even His three most favored disciples. Dear believer, remember to practice solitary prayer quite often, especially during times of trial. Family prayer, public prayer, or prayer with other believers in the church will not suffice. All these are important, but the best beaten and broken incense will produce the most fragrant smoke in your censer in your private times of devotion where no ears will hear except God’s.

Christ’s prayer also was “humble prayer.” Luke said, “He…knelt down” (Luke 22:41), but Matthew stated, “He fell with his face to the ground.” If this is the Master’s position, what should be yours as His humble servant? Shouldn’t your head be covered with “dust and ashes” (Gen. 18:27)? Humility gives you a foothold in prayer, and there is no hope of prevailing with God in prayer unless you “Humble [yourself]…that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

His prayer also was “filial prayer,” prayer befitting a son or a child of the Father. He prayed, “Abba, Father” (Mark 14:36). By pleading your adoption as His child, you will find a fortress of protection through your times of trial. If you were simply a subject of His, all your rights would long ago have been forfeited due to your treason, but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to his father’s protection. So do not be afraid to say, “My Father” (Matt. 26:39), “hear my cry…listen to my prayer” (Ps. 61:1).

Also notice Jesus’ prayer was “persevering prayer.” He prayed three times, so do not stop until you prevail. Be just as persistent as the widow in Jesus’ parable, who because of “her continual coming” (Luke 18:5 ESV) gained what her first plea could not obtain. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Col. 4:2).

Lastly, it was “submissive prayer.” He was resigned to do His Father’s will, for He said, “Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). So yield to God’s will, for He will determine what is best. Be content to leave your prayer in the hands of Him who knows when to give, how to give, what to give, and what to withhold.

Thus, those children of God who persevere in solitary prayer, yet with humility and submissiveness, will surely prevail.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

What a wonderful example of prayer Jesus gave us in Gethsemane! It was there we see God the Son—He who had experienced nothing but unbroken perfect oneness and fellowship with His Father since eternity past—humbling Himself and beseeching God the Father. And if our Savior felt such a need for prayer, how much must we!

Because He was willing to drink the cup, about which He prayed in Gethsemane, we have access to the Father’s throne through Him. If not for that prayer of His and its answer, our prayers would be meaningless!

O Lord, how blessed we are to know You and Your precious Son. Thank You for Him who suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross—for us!