We would do well to remember the part that prayer played in the Passion story of our Lord. He prayed in the Upper Room for his disciples prior to his crucifixion. There he prayed for their protection, that his followers would be one and that they would remain in the truth. He also prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he felt the tension in his life and desired nothing less than doing the will of his heavenly Father. Then, we come to the cross, where Jesus prayed for his captors and also that his own life would be commended to God.
The reading from Hebrews appointed for this Sunday brings us these words:
"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." Hebrews 5:7
I find it interesting that Jesus did pray in this crucial part of his life. He wanted to carry out his mission and be in obedience.
For us in this time of Lent, I would invite you to think of prayer as part of your life as you are about to enter Holy Week. Pray that you would come to a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice for you and how you can take your cross and follow him.
Blessings,
Pastor Marty