Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 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.” Matt. 26:26-38
Jesus arrived in Gethsemane and he left eight to go further with Peter, James, and John and then goes a little further by Himself.
Three places, three different settings for prayer we all need to experience.
We need the corporate gatherings the large crowd gathers. They provide energy, passion, and community. Our Sunday gatherings, conferences, big events all fill the need for fellowship in us.
We also need times of prayer with our close friends and family. More intimate and centered around close relationships like Jesus had with Peter, James, and John. It is where James tells us to “confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so you may be healed.” Jesus was not only wanting their companionship during a difficult time, But He was also modeling communion with the Father.
The third place of prayer is alone. Jesus went deeper into the Garden by Himself. He needed to be alone with no distractions, just Him and His Father. This is the most intimate and the most important place of prayer. This is where we face God alone in complete humility and transparency. Everything is disclosed and revealed at the heart level. God searches our motives for all we do. He reveals our weakness and faults so He can forgive us as we repent and provide strength in our will and understanding to overcome sin.
