Praying Like JesusSample

Day 27: KNOCK – Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane

"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

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faces the weight of the cross, knowing the suffering ahead. He prays, asking the Father if it’s possible for the cup of suffering to be removed, yet He submits to the Father’s will: “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus knocks on heaven’s door, asking for another way, but the Father’s plan remains unchanged.

Jesus’ prayer exemplifies the perfect balance of persistence and submission. Jesus told us that no one would take His life, that He gives it away willingly but doesn’t shy away from asking God to change the plan. He submits to God’s will, understanding that the Father’s plan is ultimately for His glory and our redemption. Jesus’ prayer is an example of how, even in our most desperate moments, we can ask and seek, but we must also be willing to yield to God’s plan, trusting He knows what is best.

Just as Elijah’s persistence in prayer and Paul’s unfulfilled request brought them closer to God’s purpose, Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will led to our salvation. Knocking on heaven’s door is not just about asking for what we want but about aligning our hearts with God’s will, even when the answer isn’t what we hoped for.

Today, reflect on your prayers of persistence. Are you willing to submit to God’s will, even when it differs from your desires? Trust that God’s plans are greater than our own and that His will is always for our good and His glory.