Pray More Intently

PK's PA: Often times, when we read this passage we tend to focus on the latter part and get into the discussion if Jesus really sweat blood of not; and yet miss the fact that as Jesus wrestled with a very difficult decision where the mental anguish led to physical anguish, He kept praying!  Begs the question, have you ever prayed like this, or did you give in to "anguish"?  How easily, even when we're in a lesser state, we won't even pray or if we do, we do it from a sense of obligation (I HAVE TO DO THIS) or maybe even a place of "The formula to get what I want is to do this", both of which usually leaving us wondering if God cares about our anguish?  So, how was Jesus in His humanness able to prevail?  First, Jesus went to the The Father, because He got to go to The Father!  It wasn't out of duty or whether He would get something out of it, He went because of their loving relationship and that was the blessing!  Secondly, when Jesus was at the end of Himself, He knew The ONLY ONE that He could bring this agony to was His Father, Who already knew what His Son was going through. And, because He knew Who He was praying to, "Jesus didn’t fake it. He brought His full heart to the Father" (Driscoll).  The real blessing in this verse TODAY is that you and I can simply do the same because, for those who believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that "Christ is Lord", are God's children.  And, as we experience anguish, or difficulty in our lives, like Jesus, the anchor is remembering this fact!  Additionally, knowing our Loving Father wants for us to approach His Throne with boldness & courage, especially in our time of need, all we have to simply say is, "Father, You already know what’s going on. I bring You my fears, doubts, frustrations, and stress. I won’t pretend anymore—just meet me here in the midst of this and help me to know what it is you are trying to teach me."