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We are saved by grace through faith and it is a gift (Ephesians 2:8). Gifts are given for many reasons, and real gifts are always freely given. While the main focus of gift giving is often the giver buying, wrapping, and offering the gift. There are several more steps that must take place if the gift is to be fully received by the recipient and make a difference in his or her life. The gift that is given must be received, opened, and then used for the gift to truly be a gift that makes a difference. This is especially true for the gift of God’s grace. It is offered freely as a gift, Paul tells us. The way it is fully received is by faith, having a deep trust and belief in. Then it must be lived if it is to have an impact on the quality of our lives.
The significant seasons of our church year and the new life we are called to live show us there is even another step we must take to receive grace. It is the call to prepare. Get yourself ready, open your minds and your hearts so you may receive the gift of God’s good news. Advent is a four-week season just before Christmas that prepares us for the gift of the Christ Child to come into our lives. Lent is the season that prepares us for the coming of Holy Week and Easter. John the Baptist says he is called to prepare the way of the Lord, the one who is to come and save the world.
This first station seeks to help us prepare ourselves to take our walk with Jesus in these final hours of his life, crucifixion, and death. Jesus comes to the Garden knowing these final moments are imminent, and he comes to pray to God. We believe that during these final hours, during these most difficult of times God is present and God’s grace seeks to be the gift that helps Jesus face what is before him.
Where will we see grace happen in these difficult moments? Will grace give Jesus strength to endure, peace to accept, or wisdom to understand?
Jesus has just finished his Last Supper with his disciples and given them his final instructions. Now, he has come to the Garden of Gethsemane to be in prayer as he prepares to face his journey to the cross that begins to unfold. Some believe this moment in Jesus’ life is where we see the deepest expression of his humanness. He has come with his friends, his support system, but leaves them so he may be alone in his prayer with God.
What do we learn about prayer as we overhear Jesus? We learn that Jesus is indeed like us, as he prays to God to take away the crisis and probably even the fear he is facing. He prays, “Father, if it is possible take this cup of suffering from me.” When we are in the midst of deep pain and spiritual crisis, do we not ask God to intercede and make things better? Please God, make this go away. Yet, Jesus also realizes that even though this may be his desire, he then adds, “Not what I want but what You want.”
What kind of trust do we need to have in God that we can pray “Your will be done,” especially in the midst of our fear and suffering? It is a trust that says, “I will now listen, I will now seek to understand what your will is.” We pray these words every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer. We recognize it is how the kingdom, the reign of God is realized on earth. It is indeed believing in the words, We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). How often do we come to God seeking God’s loving presence, and then tell God what He needs to do to make things right?
Thoughts to ponder:
As you are now in the garden, as you open yourself to the presence of God with you, what is your prayer?
Why are you seeking God’s presence? Can you quiet your mind and find a peace in your heart that allows you to pray, “Your will be done.”
In grace, in God’s unfailing commitment to love, do we trust in this grace enough that we can pray for the expression of God’s love, and not our solution, to be the answer to our prayers?
As you sit here in the quiet and beauty of the garden, we pray that you will discover the hope that God has for you and your incredible gift of life and receive the encouragement to trust and follow God’s will for you.
Continue to the next station when you are ready by clicking this link.
If this experience has raised questions or concerns and you would like to have further conversations, please email srpastor@doveofthedesert.com.
Stations of the Cross at Dove of the Desert UMC 