Station One: Alone

Sunday, March 29

Reading: Mark 14:26, 32-42

²⁶When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ³²They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. ³⁴And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” ³⁵And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” ³⁷He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? ³⁸Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ³⁹And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. ⁴⁰And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. ⁴¹He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴²Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

[image_frame style=”reflect_shadow” align=”left” title=”Christ on the Mount of Olives, Paul Gauguin, 1889″ height=”250″ width=”320″]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/GauginOlives.jpg[/image_frame]

Prayer

Lord Jesus, in fear and sorrow you knelt to pray, facing the agony of your impending death. Be with those who share that agony and face death unwillingly this day. You shared our fear and knew the weakness of our humanity: give strength and hope to the dispirited and despairing. To you, Jesus, who prayed alone, be honor and glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.