Fundamentals of the Faith (8b)

 Summary of Hindrances:

• Unrepented or cherished sin (Psalm 66:18)

• Selfish motives in prayer (James 4:3)

• Persistent iniquity and relational separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2)

In Luke 6:12, it says:

"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (NIV)

This means Jesus prayed all night, which would typically be understood as many hours—from evening until morning. The Greek phrase used, "διήνυκεν ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ τοῦ θεοῦ", literally means “he spent the whole night in prayer to God.”

In Luke 22:44, the intensity of Jesus’ prayer is described in vivid and dramatic terms, showing both the depth of His anguish and the fervency of His supplication. Here's the verse (ESV):

“And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Key Points on the Intensity:

1. "Being in agony" (Greek: agonia)

   • The Greek word agonia implies extreme mental or emotional struggle. Jesus was in a state of deep distress—likely due to the anticipation of His suffering and the weight of bearing the sins of humanity.

2. "He prayed more earnestly"

   • Despite His agony, Jesus intensified His prayer. This suggests that rather than withdrawing or giving in to fear, He pressed even harder into communion with the Father. The Greek term here implies stretching or straining in prayer.

3. "His sweat became like great drops of blood"

   • This phrase emphasizes physical effects of extreme stress. While some interpret this metaphorically (His sweat was like blood), others believe it may refer to a rare condition called hematidrosis, where capillaries burst under intense stress, mixing blood with sweat.

Theological Implication:

Jesus’ prayer in this moment demonstrates full submission to the Father’s will (“Not my will, but yours be done” – v.42), even while He experiences overwhelming emotional and physical torment. It's a powerful depiction of His humanity and obedience.

According to Colossians 4:2, Christians are instructed to:

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (NIV)

This short verse contains three key elements that guide how Christians should pray:

1. Devoted – Christians are to be persistent and faithful in prayer. It’s not something to be done sporadically or only in times of crisis, but as a consistent part of life.

2. Watchful – Prayer should be done with alertness and spiritual attentiveness. This may include being mindful of what is happening in the world, in the church, and in one’s own life, so that prayer can be purposeful and responsive.

3. Thankful – Gratitude should be a core attitude in prayer. Even when asking for help or guidance, Christians are called to remember and give thanks for what God has already done.

Psalm 13:1–2 (King James Version) reads:

1 How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Psalm 22:2 (King James Version) reads:

"O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent."

This verse expresses a deep sense of anguish and abandonment, as the psalmist (traditionally attributed to David) cries out to God both day and night without receiving a response. It's part of a larger psalm that begins with a cry of forsakenness—words that are later echoed by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)—and eventually turns toward hope and trust in God’s deliverance.

Here is 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 from the King James Version (KJV):

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Summary:

In these verses, the Apostle Paul speaks about a "thorn in the flesh"—a persistent suffering or hardship he endured to keep him humble despite the profound spiritual revelations he received. He prayed three times for God to remove it, but God's answer was that His grace was enough, and that divine strength is revealed most clearly in human weakness.

This passage is often interpreted as a profound statement on reliance on God during suffering and the idea that weakness can be a vessel for divine power.

Here is Mark 14:35–36 from the King James Version (KJV):

35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Context and Meaning:

These verses take place in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before Jesus is arrested. He is in deep anguish, fully aware of the suffering he is about to endure. His prayer reflects both his humanity (in asking for the "cup"—a symbol of suffering—to be taken away) and his obedience to God’s will (“not what I will, but what thou wilt”).

The use of “Abba, Father” emphasizes intimacy and trust—“Abba” is an Aramaic term akin to “Dad” or “Papa.” This moment captures Jesus' submission to the Father’s plan despite the intense emotional and physical distress.