A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, November 11

Luke 22:39-46

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

At first I didn’t understand why Jesus was talking about temptation “at a time like this” in the garden. But when I read a bit, a commentator pointed out that Jesus was reminding them to pray so that they would be strong in God in the very difficult time ahead.

Today is a difficult day for my family, in that my oldest brother, Bill, will have significant open heart surgery later today. He and his immediate family have traveled to Ann Arbor today. I am certainly praying for a positive outcome, yet I know that God will hold us all and help us through no matter what.

Holy Lord, I pray today that you guide the healthcare team taking care of my brother Bill. Comfort Bill and his children, his wife, his grandchildren and all of his extended family and friends. Help us all to be strong, no matter what. You are with us. Amen

Becky, transforming