[Tuesday's Devotional] - As You Will

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Matthew 26:39 [NIV]

There are several valuable lessons we can gain from Christ's prayer in His hour of trial.  

It was lonely prayer.  He withdrew even from His three favoured disciples.  As disciples, we too can benefit greatly from solitary prayer, especially in times of crisis.  Family prayer, social prayer, Church prayer – these are all precious - but the best communication with God comes in your quiet times, where only God hears your prayer.


It was humble prayer.  Luke says He knelt, but another writer says He "fell on His face." Where, then, is YOUR place, humble servant of the great Master?  What dust and ashes should cover your head!  Humility gives us a good foot-hold in prayer.  There is no hope of common ground with God unless we lower ourselves - so that He may raise us up in due time.


It was filial prayer (the prayer of a son or daughter).  "Abba, Father."  You will gain strength in your times of crisis from pleading with God on the basis of your adoption.  You have no rights as a subject, you lost those as a result of your treason; but nothing can take away a child's right to a father's protection. Don’t be afraid to say, "My Father, hear my cry."


It was persevering prayer.  He prayed three times.  Don’t stop until you succeed.  Be like the persistent widow, whose repeated visits earned what her first request could not win.  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.


Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. "Yet not as I will, but as you will."  Yield, and God yields.  Let it be as God wills, and God will determine the outcome for the best.  Be happy to leave your prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold.  Then pleading, earnestly, persistently, but with humility and resignation, you will surely succeed.

Amen

Charles Spurgeon, paraphrased by Dave MacLellan