We have just been told that in Gethsemane, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed to be somehow allowed to avoid what he was facing. We are told this in the third person. But now, the very words that Jesus prayed are reported to us.

In Gethsemane, we are standing on holy ground. Every word of God is pure, so let’s listen in on these words from the very heart of the Saviour.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

Jesus was praying for a long time, and although they slept through most of it, at least one of the three disciples nearest to him heard parts of his prayer. These disciples didn’t report his entire prayer word for word. Instead, they reported what stuck in their memories. They remembered what they thought was most remarkable.

One of the things about Jesus’ prayer that most stuck in their minds was the name he used for God. Jesus addresses his father with the name, “Abba.” This is an Aramaic word which is best translated as “Daddy.” It indicates a relationship of deep and intimate trust.

The disciples were always very impressed with how Jesus prayed. That’s why they asked him to teach them to pray. Notice, then, the pattern of this prayer. First of all, Jesus acknowledges who God his. He is “Abba”– his Father. Then Jesus acknowledges his Father’s sovereign power: “everything is possible for you.”

Then Jesus makes his request: “Take this cup from me.” Finally, Jesus recognises the deficiencies of his own will, and submits himself entirely to God: “not what I will, but what you will.” Compare that pattern with how you usually pray. What can you learn from the prayer of Jesus? What can you do differently?