Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Matthew 26:36-46

A simple olive grove became sacred ground as the Son of God shed blood, sweat and tears in its stony soil.

Three years ago, in the wilderness, He had committed Himself completely to the mission of God which had led Him to this place. Along the way He had gathered this group of beloved friends, He had filled each moment with grace and glory, and He had lived a life of perfect self-giving love. This life of unconditional love had put Him at odds with the political and religious establishment, as He prioritised people’s needs above their religious rules. Threatened by His popularity and the fear of losing their power, the religious leaders were about to pounce, and Jesus knew it. But He also knew that His calling from the Heavenly Father had not changed. He was to love … even to the end. he was not to fight. He was not to flee. He was not to disappear into obscurity. He was to stand for grace and truth, even if it cost Him His life.

And so, our Lord and Saviour, overcome by sorrow at the thought of leaving His beloved friends, and wrestling against the God-given desire to live, pleads with these ordinary men to stay near Him and to pray for Him. God incarnate … asking for their presence and their prayer support.

Presence and praying for others are profoundly powerful forces in the Kingdom of God. To whom might you offer the gift of your presence today? Is there someone you know going through a hard time? Why not spend time with them. Better yet, offer to pray for them too. And if it is you going through the hard time, remember that even Jesus asked for prayer support. Don’t wait or others to realise your need – they might never. Ask for prayer. It’s a sacred privilege.

Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of Your commitment to the Father’s will; and I see in Your time in the Garden of Gethsemane how important presence and prayer are. Please help me to be truly present to others today, and to support them not only by my presence, but also by my prayers. Amen.