Prayers From the Pit – p.2Praying From the

Pit of Pain

Matthew 26:36-46

Pain and sorrow are relative. Pain and sorrow are common.

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on.

Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)

See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by…

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” (Matt. 26:36 ESV)

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by…

having a certain place where He often went for prayer.

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place… - Luke 22:39-40

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by…

asking others to pray with Him.And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here,

and watch with me.” (vv.37-38)

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by…

praying during the final hours of His life.And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (v.39)

Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by…

In Jesus final hours He spent His time “being” not “doing”.

Jesus teaches us that prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for

spiritual living.

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.

Jesus teaches us that prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for

spiritual living.

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

Jesus teaches us that prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for

spiritual living.

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. – Matthew 26:40-44 (ESV)

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

So, could you not watch with me one hour?

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

Jesus was telling them that prayer may be unnatural but it is the only resource for defeating natural weaknesses.

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

Jesus prayer from the pit of sorrow is authentic.

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

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

– Matt. 6:10

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

What prevents us from praying is often the reason we should be praying.

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. (v.43)

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

What prevents us from praying is often the reason we should be praying.

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. (v.43)

Prayer may be unnatural but it is necessary for spiritual living.

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

– Luke 22:44-45 (ESV)

Bottom Line:

Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s presence and power in your life so you can live the dream God has for you.

Bottom Line:

See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (vv.45-46)

Bottom Line:

Cultivate the discipline of prayer before you are in the pit of pain

Pray the truth.

Bottom Line:

Get other people to join you when you are praying in a place of sorrow.

Keep the end in sight