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.
Luke 22:41-43
—
In the moments just before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus found comfort in prayer. Luke shares this important moment in Luke 22:41-43 and provides us a glimpse of Jesus’s exact request that night.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
I am struck by a phrase in his prayer, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
It’s a short phrase, and yet in some ways, it invites us to reconsider everything in how we approach our own prayers.
When we pray, we often share our desires, requests, and gratitude with God. We pour out our hearts, seeking His blessings and guidance. While it is good to express our needs and thankfulness, Jesus teaches us a deeper level of trust and surrender in one short phrase.
He acknowledged His own desires and requested them of God, asking to be spared from the upcoming challenges. But at the same time, He willingly surrendered His will to the Father’s perfect wisdom.
This simple phrase, “not my will, but yours be done,” reflects humility, reverence, and submission. It recognizes that God’s understanding is greater than ours and that His purpose will ultimately prevail. It echoes the very words He offered us in Lord’s Prayer, “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We would be wise to include this exact phrase in our prayers—not just believe it in our hearts, but also speak it with our words.
By doing so, we align our hearts with His and seek His glory above all else.
Consider the context and emotions surrounding this prayer in Luke 22. Jesus faced immense challenges and uncertainty, yet He demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s plan.
Equally, may we confidently present our requests and desires, while always seeking God’s will above all else. As we speak those powerful words, “not my will, but yours be done,” let’s trust in His guidance and find comfort in knowing that He is working everything together for His glory and our ultimate good.
—
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son who not only died for the forgiveness of our sins, but also provided a perfect example for us to learn from and follow. In all things, help us surrender our life and will to you, just as Jesus did in His prayer and with His life. Amen.