The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed

The Greatest Prayer

• What is the greatest prayer ever prayed? I think it was Jesus’ prayer, “Father, take this cup from me, but not my will, your will be done”
• This single prayer shows us so much! It shows us how much Jesus loves us, it shows us our identity and it shows us where to turn when life is painfully difficult.

Luke 22:39-46

• After eating the Apostles, he lead them out. He took Peter, James and John with him to a place called “Gethsemane.”
• Luke 22:39, his “custom.” He had been there many times before.
• Luke 22:40, temptation would be to run, lose faith or cave in the hour of suffering.
• Luke 22:43, there is the miracle of an angel.

Why is this the greatest prayer?

1. It’s the Greatest

• Jesus was deeply distressed. (Matthew 26:38)
• Gethsemane in Hebrew means “oil press.” Oil in the Old Testament represents the Spirit of God. It is in this place that Christ deep spirit would be tested most severely.
• Luke 22:44, Hemosiderosis: Documented medical phenomenon that a person can become so stressed, their body begins to break down and blood comes through pours.
• Hebrews 5:7 describes tears, loud cries.
• Why is he so upset? He is about to endure hell.

2. It’s the Greatest

• This prayer Shows who truly belong to.
• There is no other way to save us but through the shed blood of Jesus. Jesus himself asked if there is another way. (Also, John 14:6)
• We are not just saved from sin, but we are saved to a rich identity in Christ.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19, we are “bought” with Christ blood.
• 1 Peter 2:5, we are chosen by God. We don’t belong to the world, the world never bought us. We belong to Christ.

3. It’s the Greatest

• This prayer Shows: Where turn when life painfully difficult.
• Jesus understands your Gethsemane, because he’s been to the worst Gethsemane.
• John Piper suggests that there is a deep reason that Jesus prays two prayers. The first prayer he asks that the cup be taken away. Then in Luke 22:44, an angel appears. Piper suggests that the angel delivered the message from heaven that he would not avoid the cross. The result is greater agony on Jesus’ part! But his prayer the second time is that if the cup cannot pass, that God’s will be done. That is, that he have the strength to carry forward the commandment and assignment of God.
• Hebrews 4:15, he understand the pain of the flesh.
• Galatians 6:9, he is a friend when we want to give up.
• He wants us to ask for strength. To pray for ourselves.
• Christ will give you victory. But he will not give you victory you don’t ask for. We don’t stumble into victory, we pray into victory.

How Jesus gives victory:

1. He comforts the soul that’s in distress.

2. He gives us strength to do God’s Will.

3. He allows us to taste samples of a coming victory.

4. He crowns us with victory in heaven.

HOW TO PRAY FOR MYSELF:

1. Pray that I be filled with thanksgiving.

2. Pray that I seek to identify with Christ.

3. Pray that I fight hard against temptation.

4. Pray that I do the Father’s will.