Isaiah 8:16-9:1
Psalms 41, 44, and 52
2 Peter 1:1-11
Luke 22:39-53
Luke
22:39-42
Jesus went
out as usual to the Mount of Olives and his disciples followed him. On reaching
the place he said to them " Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
He withdrew about a stone's throw and prayed " Father if you are willing,
take this cup from me, yet not my will but yours alone."
But
it wasn’t to be for Jesus, his crucifixion and death on the cross were just
ahead. Even Jesus the Lord and God of all, prayed. His human body felt great
fear and anxiety at that time. He needed help, and so he turned to his father.
And
because he prayed, God the father sent an angel to strengthen him and enable
him to bear the agony of his last days and ultimate death.
Have
you ever felt this kind of fear? Well, I sure have. When the doctor told me
that I had stage 3 cancer, I entered a total state of denial. This can’t be
happening, not to me!
So
I prayed to God to help me through my own personal fear and anxiety. And
because I asked, he was there for me. Every day, through surgery, through
chemotherapy, and into the slow period of recuperation.
He
held my hand the whole time. I could feel his strength. I was at peace.
Prayer
is the cornerstone of our faith; it's like chemo for the soul. Just like your
meds, pray twice a day, and watch your life change.
Prayerfully,
Pat McDowell