Let Your Will Be Done

41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
— Luke 22:41-44
 

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41–44) is a profound expression of His obedience and devotion to the Father. In the face of overwhelming anguish, Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” The “cup” symbolizes the suffering and death Jesus was to endure as part of His divine mission. His resolve to drink it reflects complete submission to the Father’s will.

The declaration, “Not My will, but Yours be done,” transcends human agony, embodying the ultimate act of surrender to God’s plan. From the beginning to the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus remained unwavering in His obedience to the Father. Despite facing temptations and hardships, He followed through with the mission entrusted to Him.

Advent is a season of waiting and reflection on the obedience and sacrifice of Christ, who left His heavenly throne to dwell among us. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane calls us to live a life of surrender to God’s will. During this sacred season, may we echo His prayer, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” as we respond to God’s calling in our lives. Just as an angel strengthened Jesus in His moment of prayer, the Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide us in our own prayers and walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord, we earnestly seek Your will to be done in our lives. Take full control of our hearts, that we may walk with You, pray as You prayed, live as You lived, and bear our cross as You bore Yours. Through the trials we face, may we experience the glory of Your resurrection.

As we remember Your incarnation and obedience during this Advent season, we desire to follow Your example of surrender. Let Your prayer, “Not My will, but Yours be done,” become the confession of our lives. Holy Spirit, lead us in this path of obedience, and empower us to live as faithful followers of Christ. Amen.

(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)

 

Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.

Previous
Previous

What You Did for the Least of These

Next
Next

Walk in the Light