In Jesus’s final hours before His arrest, he prayed as no one has done before, such that his sweat “became like great drops of blood”. Feeling extreme anguish, well-practised prayer comforted and sustained him as he faced unimaginable punishment for our sin. In our passage today, Luke 22:39-41, our saviour gives us an unforgettable lesson in the power and importance of prayer.

Our passage today: Luke 22:39-46. Preacher: Pastor Elmeir Pereria.

Leading by example

My father was a missionary for 55 years. In his first sermon he preached some of it in English, being a native Portuguese speaker. Perhaps I feel as though I am following in his footsteps today, as this is my first sermon in English.

The main thing is: whatever the language, the message of God can be spoken into our hearts.

In order to teach effectively we need to be an example of what we preach, as Peter points out in his letter:

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV

Parents: do we want children who love Christ, His Word and His Church? In the Lord, our perfect parent, we have a perfect example to follow.

The example of prayer

In our passage today we see the example of Jesus in pain: about to be arrested and sent to the cross. He was in agony because he would experience God’s wrath for our sins.

To get Him through this He needed to pray.

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22:44 ESV

He was suffering, and it was unbearable.

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

Matthew 26:38 ESV

How could he cope? He went to the Mount of Olives for some precious time in the presence of God; receiving comfort and grace to fulfil his mission.

From this extraordinary time, we learn about the importance of prayer, following the example of Jesus.

1. Prayer must be a custom

Prayer must be a habit. This was not a one off for Jesus, it was his custom

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Luke 22:39 ESV

He got strength and courage from prayer. Throughout His life and death, Jesus prayed for us all.

Christians who don’t pray are weak in faith and immature. How much time do you spend in prayer daily?

2. Have a separate place to pray

Jesus had a preference for private place for prayer.

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12 ESV

Any place and any time is is fine: Jonah prayed from inside a fish, Daniel from inside a furnace and den of lions, but Jesus’s preference was private prayer.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 ESV

It’s especially helpful to have somewhere quiet and free from distractions.

Suzana Wesley had 19 children, but made time every day to be in prayer and intimate communion with God. The house they lived in had only one room with no quiet place, however she had a separate place to pray inside the house. Every day she went to a corner of the house and covered her face with an apron. In that time, all her children were quiet.

3. Don’t give up

We must not give in to temptation: Jesus was tempted to give up his mission.

Satan the tempter has been active to prevent the woman’s destiny to “crush [Satan’s] head” (Genesis 3:15).

He got Pharoh to kill the young Hebrew boys to destroy the people, as Moses was being born (Ex 1:22). Herod tried the same to destroy Jesus (Mat 2:16). He was present in the desert to tempt him to give up (Mat 4).

Pray you may not fall into temptation. As an example: even though Satan’s power was broken on the cross, he still tempts us.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

We can put on the armour of God (Eph 6:11-12) and pray in the spirit at all times (Eph 6:18). Prayer is a powerful weapon.

4. The right condition to pray

We don’t need to be in a specific position to pray. The Lord prayed in different positions.

But we need to humble ourselves: Jesus here with his knees bent in prayer recognises God’s majesty.

This reflects a contrite heart, which is important as God doesn’t like proud people.

5. Asking correctly

God’s will was the priority for Jesus.

saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Luke 22:42 ESV

God has many blessings for those submitting their will to God:

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” [3] And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:2-3 ESV

This man went to the right person to solve his problems: he bowed down before Jesus.

We know that God is present and pleased when we pray.

6. In difficult times we may need to pray alone

Sometimes no one will pray for, or with us.

And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,

Luke 22:45 ESV

It would have been a comfort for His disciples to be there for Him, but He was alone: no-one prayed for Him.

In Acts 12 the church was persecuted and many leaders put in prison.

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Acts 12:5 ESV

When a believer prays, great things happen. In this example, Peter escaped (Acts 12:7-11)

7. When we pray God sends his comfort

When Jesus was in agony, His Father provided company.

And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 22:43 ESV

Now God sometimes allows intense affliction, but when we pray to God he comforts and protects us.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

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