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Lenten Devotional: Images of Faith ~ The Sleeping Disciples

By: Steve Negley

Posted: March 19, 2021

Category: Daily Devotional

Location: The Narthex

During the season of Lent, we will be looking around the church and sharing images, photos, paintings, and other items that help us to focus more closely on God. Let us prepare our hearts to worship…

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[a] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Matthew 26:36-46

Prayer

Loving Jesus, can I stay awake and attentive to Your suffering and the suffering of the world that You so love? Help me to listen to the concerns of the people in my life, and to be attentive to what they are enduring, offering my prayers and presence. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.