About This Sermon
Steven Morris teaches from Matthew 26:36-45 and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. Jesus faced the greatest weight any human has known, not merely physical death, but the wrath of God against sin. He went to his Father honestly, asking for the cup to pass, yet he did not stop there. He kept praying until his will aligned with the Father's: "Not as I will, but as you will."
The message shows that prayer is where the battle is won. When we make it our daily pattern to pray for God's will before the day begins, we prepare ourselves to stay faithful when the pressure comes. Following God's will carries real cost, but we never face it alone. The Father strengthened Jesus, and Christ promises to be with his people in their hardest moments.
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-45; Luke 22:44; Philippians 2; Psalms 139:7; Revelation 14:10; Romans 12; Luke 9:23; Philippians 3
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- We can be completely honest with God in prayer. He already knows our hearts.
- Honest prayer must continue until we are submitted to God's will, not stopped at the request.
- Praying for God's will daily prepares us to remain faithful in crisis moments.
- Following God's will comes with real cost, but the benefits far outweigh it.
- We do not bear the cost alone. God strengthens and stays with his people.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What do you notice about how Jesus addresses God and states his request in Matthew 26:39?
- What makes it hard for you to keep praying when God does not remove a difficult situation?
- How might praying for God's will each morning change how you respond to stress during the day?
- What would it look like for you to be honest with God about a weighty moment you are facing right now?
- When has following God's will cost you something, and how did you see God with you in it?
From the Series
Pray Like Jesus - NK
Prayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met… Read morePrayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met with His Father. In Pray Like Jesus, we’ll journey through the Gospels to discover how Jesus prayed in every season of life. We’ll see His pattern of daily dependence, His prayers for others, His surrender in suffering, and His unwavering trust in the Father. More than learning about prayer, we’ll be invited to experience the same relationship with God that shaped every moment of Jesus’ life. Whether your prayer life feels vibrant or you’ve struggled to know where to begin, this series will help you grow in confidence, intimacy, and dependence on God as you learn to pray like Jesus. Show less
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