Our Lord's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is recorded in three places (Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). As Jesus took Peter, James, and John further into the garden, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed (Matt. 26:37). He was about to face the agony of the cross. He went a stone's throw away from the three disciples, fell on His face, and prayed, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36). There are some important lessons we need to learn from this event.

First, we need to take our troubles to God in prayer. Jesus was about to suffer an immeasurable amount of pain. He was not disturbing God by bringing this matter to His attention. Neither are we. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7).

Second, we must believe all things are possible for God. He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Eph. 3:20). If we did not believe this, we would not pray.

Third, when we pray, we must allow God to say "No." The Lord's personal desire was to avoid the suffering of the cross - "Take this cup away from Me." However, this personal request was voiced with the understanding that the Father's will "outranks" His - "not what I will, but what You will." The same is true for us. While our cares, needs, and requests are important to God, His will must come first. Prayer is a time for us to express our concerns and sorrows unto God, but it is not a time to dictate how God is to answer our prayer. If we fall into this trap, we will become frustrated with God and will give up on prayer. God knows what is best. His will must be done. Let's learn to pray with a heart that is ready and willing to accept the Lord's answer.