What did Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Psalm 23

by Jackie Stoneman

I have just returned from two weeks in Israel. One of the most memorable experiences of the two weeks was to touch a fig tree in the Garden of Gethsemane that had roots that are believed to be 2000 years old and imagine Jesus praying there in agony on the night before he died.

I wonder if Jesus prayed the 23rd Psalm as he endured the agony of facing the cross. Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil (v4)

Jesus modelled living out this Psalm. He trusted His Father, always doing His will and regularly drawing aside to be refreshed and renewed. His focus was always on why He had come to earth – to bear the sins of the world. This did not stop him experiencing the horror of anticipating His death and expressing His desire that if there was any other way – yet not what He wanted but what His Father wanted.

So often we can want a life that is free from pain and suffering and that is perfectly understandable. But it will never be reality in this broken world. Our future existence will be different because Jesus endured the cross, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

But this life will always have its struggles and challenges.

That was true for David who originally wrote this Psalm. As he sought to follow God his pathway often involved suffering. Sometimes because he had disobeyed God but often because he was obeying God. Think of the opposition he experienced from Saul yet he responded in godly ways. He knew that as God led him on right pathways (v3) that those pathways would sometimes be in green pastures and beside still waters (v2 and v3) but other times they would involve his enemies (v5) and darkest valleys where evil appears to be (v4)

This is going to be true for us as well. We have so much more understanding than David did of how the Lord is our shepherd. Through His Holy Spirit we constantly have His presence and through His word we have His promises and guidance.

As I spent time in places where Jesus had been while he was on earth I was reminded of the reality of God’s plan. He did come to this earth to save us. He does understand our struggles. He has won the victory. He will enable us to live in the house of the Lord forever (v6)

It is my prayer that if you are struggling today that the Lord will refresh you with His comfort through His word. His goodness and love (v6) are there for you today. You are not alone. Your shepherd is with you each step of this journey. The best is yet to come!

Jackie Stoneman