Lent Guide: In the Shadow of Gethsemaneಮಾದರಿ

Prayer is to ask

Jesus teaches us to ask and shows us through His life how to ask. By asking, He shows His dependence. He doesn’t do anything from Himself but finds everything in His Father. This is how we can find enviable joy according to Jesus (Matt 5:3). It comes when I get all my energy and life from Him, like a shoot from a vine. I don’t only acknowledge my dependence when I ask, but I also acknowledge His ability and goodness. He is my Father who art in heaven. He is not limited to my earthly here and now. To Him belongs the power and glory. By turning to Him, He becomes great in me – He doesn’t literally become greater, but in my thoughts and imagination, He increases.

That doesn’t mean that we always get what we ask for. Jesus asked that the cup be taken from Him, and it wasn’t. But the Father always hears what we ask for. He is called, amongst other things, a hearer of prayers (Ps. 65:3). He always answers (reacts to) our prayers as well. An angel (messenger) is sent to strengthen Jesus in the garden after he prays (:43).

You may also realise that He didn’t give me what I wanted, but He did answer me. Messengers (angels) came my way who supported me and encouraged me.

Exercise

• Ask Him to make you aware (let you see, notice, realise, be reminded) of…

-What you asked for and how He answered

-The times you got what you asked of Him.

-The fact that you’re invited to trust Him with His plan for you – like Jesus, who got a no and accepted it because He believed in His Father’s goodness.

• Share with Him what you think and feel about your experience

Prayer: I ask for a deep consciousness of Your love and work in my life.