We are all called to the garden of prayer. In Mark 14:32-42, we see Jesus entering Gethsemane, a name meaning “the oil press.” It was a place of crushing pressure and earnest prayer. Beneath ancient olive trees, many of which are still standing, the Son of God wrestled in agony. In Gethsemane, Jesus shows us how to pray through life’s darkest hours.

When I think of gardens and prayer, I’m reminded of a hymn still a hit at the nursing home services: In the Garden. I tell the same joke every time about the little boy who came home from Sunday School and told his Mother that they sang a song about Andy — “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own…” — and it still gets a chuckle.  This hymn, of course, in seriousness, is about Jesus meeting us in the garden of prayer. 

I also think of my Grandma Wilson, whom Mom and Aunt Josie eulogized at her funeral for praying daily in the apple orchard beside their childhood home. She had her garden of prayer.

We all need such a place — a meeting place between us and God.

I once heard about a farmer sitting under a tree on his hillside every afternoon to read his Bible and pray. His farm became so successful that, over time, he grew too busy to enjoy his quiet time anymore.  Yet he would glance up longingly at that spot every time he passed by. When he finally passed away, they knew exactly where to bury him — right under that tree.

He came to rest in his garden of prayer.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example of a prayer garden in Gethsemane. Let’s walk through it together.

1. The Call of Prayer (Mark 14:32-36)

Mark 14:32-35  And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Jesus had a culture of prayer. Judas knew exactly where to find Him — in His prayer spot.

We all need a prayer closet.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus would often slip away to pray on the mountain, sometimes spending entire nights in prayer before making significant decisions like calling the Twelve. 

We see others in Scripture doing the same:

Daniel prayed three times a day, even under threat of death.

David sought God morning, noon, and evening.

Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

The disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray!” not how to preach or perform miracles, but how to pray.

The cause of prayer is often a heavy heart. If Jesus, the perfect God-Man, had dark days, so will we.

As the old hymn says:

“Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Mark 14:36  And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. 

Galatians 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

And we have confidence in prayer because we are praying to a Heavenly Father.

Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father” — like a tender child to a loving Dad.

Romans 8 reminds us that the Spirit within us cries, “Abba, Father.”

You are never praying alone — you have a Prayer Partner: Jesus Christ Himself.

2. The Cup of Prayer (Mark 14:36)

Mark 14:36  And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Jesus faced the cup of surrender.

In one garden, Adam said, “Not Thy will, but mine.”

In another garden, Jesus said, “Not my will, but Thine.”

Jesus’ suffering wasn’t just physical — it was deeply spiritual. He wasn’t a martyr but a substitute sacrifice for our sins. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13). “He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

If our own sin is hard to bear, imagine carrying the sins of the whole world!

Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

How did Jesus win the victory? Through prayer.

Hebrews 5:7  Who (Jesus) in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

We are changed and strengthened in the prayer closet.

There is also a cup of strength in prayer.

Luke 22:42-43 tells us that as Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will, “there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”

God strengthens those who surrender.

You and I must present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Satan will whisper, “Live a little!” — just as he tempted Jesus to take the kingdoms without the cross.

But there is no crown without a cross.

We must take up our cross daily and follow Him.

3. The Challenge of Prayer (Mark 14:37-42)

Mark 14:37-41  And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Prayer is not optional — it’s a command. “Watch!” is a military command to be on guard and vigilant. 

Jesus said, “Watch and pray.”

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Imagine telling your commanding officer, “I can’t do my duty today — I just don’t feel like it.”

It doesn’t matter if you feel like praying — it’s your faith duty.

Prayer is also protection.

At the Last Supper, Jesus warned Peter: Luk 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Build walls now — in prayer — for the dark hour that will come. Be like brother Job, who built a hedge around his family as he partnered with God in prayer (Job 1:5).  

Without prayer, we drift into spiritual slumber.

The disciples slept when they should have prayed, and they failed.

We must stay awake spiritually—for our spouses, our children, our churches, and ourselves.

“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” (Ephesians 5:14)

We need a time and place to meet with God daily. Let us answer the call and enter the garden of prayer.