PRAYER FOR STRENGTH IN THE TIME OF DISTRESS. (LUKE 22:31-53)

PASSION WEEK REFLECTIONS The theme for our reflection is prayer for strength in the time of distress. Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God. Distress is extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Every human being goes through a time of distress because of the uncertainties of life. Losing a…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Apr 12, 2022

2–3 minutes

PASSION WEEK REFLECTIONS

The theme for our reflection is prayer for strength in the time of distress. Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God. Distress is extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Every human being goes through a time of distress because of the uncertainties of life. Losing a friend or family member can cause great distress. In the case of Jesus, he went through a time distress because of the suffering and death that awaited Him.

It is important to note that our distress is further worsened when friends and family seem not to understand our pain or sorrow hence are unable to give the needed emotional and spiritual support. In the case of Jesus, his disciples did not fully appreciate the distress their Master was going through hence could not adequately stand with Him even in prayer. “At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?”he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.” (Luke 22:31-53)

Dear friend in the Lord, there will be times in your life that even those who are close to you may not understand the grief or sorrow you are experiencing. In your time of distress you may feel disappointed because family and friends may not be forthcoming in terms of emotion and spiritual support. Who then do you turn to? Jesus teaches us to turn to God in our time of distress for strength to be able to overcome the challenges we encounter in life. When the situation became tough, “…he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:41-42). Dear friend, do not despair in the time of distress because God perfectly understands our pains and sorrows and will provide the needed strength for us to overcome through faith and prayer. Friends and family may fail to show up or support you adequately in your time of distress but be assured that nothing can “… separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

PRAYER

Dear Holy Spirit, in the time of distress, strengthen us to have faith and lean on God through prayer so that we may not give up. Amen.