Many of us try to be prepared for life’s trials. We buy insurance, we might stock up on food before a storm, we get our cars in good shape before a trip, and we check the weather report before going outside. We can’t be fully prepared for everything, but we do what we can to mitigate the consequences of unforeseen or even expected situations.  

As the days and events brought Jesus closer to his trial and crucifixion, he spent a lot of time preparing for it. He didn’t buy insurance or do any of the things we might do in anticipation of the most difficult time of his life. He prepared in prayer. He already had a habit of praying, but before the crucifixion, he seems to have spent extra time in prayer, especially the night before, when he prayed in the garden. His prayers were coming from way down deep, to the point of sweating blood. 

For Jesus, communing with his Father helped him get through the worst the angry mob could throw at him. Communing with our Father is also the best way for us to prepare for the worst life can throw at us. We don’t necessarily need to pray all night, but we would do well to take the time to pray every day, before and during everything we do and say. It takes a bit or practice and might take time before we are able to do this, but as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or, when it comes to prayer, a few minutes with God is priceless.

First published on 11 March 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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