The Spirit is Willing

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.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 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.” 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? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 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. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:36-46 

The Spirit is Willing

O God who is strong when we are weak
you promise to be present in our worst hours
you have showered us with rich blessings
and have kept us from harm year after year.

We are prone to impatience and selfishness
the days have turned into months now
we have stayed home and been very careful
but now we have all had enough of restriction.

Like the disciples in the garden late at night
we give into our bodies despite your pleas
we do not want to face the dangers ahead
so we turn away and give in to slumber.

Gracious God, give us the strength to stand up
let us go forth masked up to care for others
let love be the driving force of all we do today
may we be your disciples ready to face any storm.Amen