16.04.25 Luke 22:39-46

16 April

Prepare

Father, draw me near to Your heart. As I open Your Word, help me see Jesus more clearly—and give me the courage to pray as He did.

Read – Luke 22:39–46

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’

Reflect

In this moment of deep anguish, Jesus does not run from the pain—He brings it to the Father. His prayer is raw and real: “Take this cup from me… yet not my will, but yours.” It's a moment of surrender in the face of suffering.

Notice that Jesus doesn't pray alone. He invites His disciples to pray, too—to be spiritually alert and strengthened. But they fall asleep, overwhelmed by sorrow.

How often do we do the same—fall asleep spiritually when the weight of life becomes too much? Jesus calls us not to escape, but to engage through prayer, even when it's hard.

Be

Holy Spirit, awaken my heart to the presence of Jesus. Teach me to bring my fears and pain to the Father with honesty and trust.

Become

Jesus, shape my heart to echo Your prayer: not my will, but Yours be done. In times of pressure, help me lean into You, not away. May I become someone who stands in prayer even when it’s hard.

Do

Today, take a few quiet minutes to name the “cup” you’re carrying—what’s heavy, uncertain, or painful. Bring it to God in surrender.

Practice:

Where in your life are you being invited to say, “Not my will, but Yours”?

What do you tend to do when life feels overwhelming—lean into God or escape?

Who can you gently encourage to stay spiritually awake in this season?

Maybe reach out to someone who may be struggling in silence. Offer to pray with them or simply be present, as Jesus was.