42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

Matthew 26:42

 

 

43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

Luke 22:43-44

 

 

43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.

Matthew 26:43-44

 

Response:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord,

we re wide awake now, but we can’t share this;

 

all we can do is watch, holding our breath with wonder.

 

You go into a deeper darkness than we can imagine,

 

searching for the Father in the deep, deep darkness,

 

trying to find a meaning in all you know is waiting,

 

and wanting to be able to accept what you find.

 

We sense you on the edge of a black abyss -wrestling with desolation, assailed by doubt, ravaged by despair, facing death…

 

and we know the battle is joined.

 

Our darkness is pale alongside this deep darkness of yours, but we know many kinds of darkness and they can be very frightening.

 

Jesus of Gethsemane, Good shepherd risking all for us, when we are in the dark hold us secure.

 

Response:

 

• Saved: Church, Lent