Thoughtful Hour

THOUGHTS ON GETHSEMENE

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence* and humiliation at the foot of the cross. {DA 83.4}

The world is our field of missionary toil, and we are to go forth to labor surrounded with the atmosphere* of Gethsemane and Calvary.

{7T 12.2}

Matthew 26:36

26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. * 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two * sons of Zebedee, and began to be * sorrowful and very heavy.

26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is * exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, *and watch with me.

26:39 And he went a little* farther, and fell on his face,* and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible,* let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. *

26:39 And he went a little* farther, and fell on his face,* and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible,* let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. *

26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?26:41 * Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Penitentadj 1. feeling regret for one's sins; repentant< n 2. a person who is penitent> penitence n.

Humilityn the quality of being humble and modest.

Atmosphere *n 1. the mass of gases surrounding the earth or any other heavenly body2. the air in a particular place3. a *pervasive feeling or mood; Example: the atmosphere was tense4. a unit of pressure equal to the normal pressure of the air at sea level> atmospheric adj> atmospherically adv.

Pervade *vb (-vading, -vaded) to spread through or throughout (something)> pervasion n> pervasive adj.

Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

Luke 22:41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

At the thought of the grievous character of the guilt of the world, Christ felt that He must go apart, and be aloneHe could not bear that even His disciples should witness His agony as He contemplated the woe of the world. Even His most dearly loved friends must not be in His companionship. {5BC 1102.8}*

Who does similar in sending their family away before going to pray?

Genesis 32:23-24

32:23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

Jacobs Trouble.

Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

HE TOOK THREE*

Sons of Zebedee Matthew 4:21 Mark 14:33

Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. Luke 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Near the entrance to the garden, Jesus left all but three of the disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him. With Peter, James, and John, He entered its secluded recesses. These three disciples were Christ's closest companions. They had beheld His glory on the mount of transfiguration; they had seen Moses and Elijah talking with Him; they had heard the voice from heaven; now in His great struggle, Christ desired their presence near Him... {DA 686.1}

Jesus had twelve disciples when He took three of them at various times were the others offended?

What about Uus?If not used for a Position, Job.

Jesus had twelve disciples how is it that three of them were the Closest Companions, does Jesus have favourites?

How do we become the Closest Companions?

The depth and fervor of John's affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ's love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ, he became meek and lowly of heart. Self was hid in Jesus. He was closely united to the Living Vine, and thus became a partaker of the divine nature. Such will ever be the result of communion with Christ. This is true sanctification. {SL 54.2}

There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Jesus, the power of divine grace makes him a new creature. Christ's love transforms, sanctifies him. But when persons profess to be Christians, and their religion does not make them better men and better women in all the relations of life--living representatives of Christ in disposition and character--they are none of His. {SL 55.1}

The Saviour's affection for the beloved disciple was returned with all the strength of ardent devotion. John clung to Christ as the vine clings to the stately pillar. For his Master's sake he braved the dangers of the judgment hall and lingered about the cross; and at the tidings that Christ had risen, he hastened to the sepulcher, in his zeal outstripping even the impetuous Peter. {SL 53.2} John's love for his Master was not a mere human friendship, but it was the love of a repentant sinner, who felt that he had been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. He esteemed it the highest honor to work and suffer in the service of his Lord. His love for Jesus led him to love all for whom Christ died. His religion was of a practical character.

He seems to have enjoyed, in a pre-eminent sense, the friendship of Christ, and he received many tokens of the Saviour's confidence and love. He was one of the three permitted to witness Christ's glory upon the mount of transfiguration and His agony in Gethsemane; and to the care of John our Lord confided His mother in those last hours of anguish upon the cross. {SL 53.1}

Wilt thou be made whole balanced and squared 144*

When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. {FLB 345.3}

This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those "that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." One thing will certainly be understood from the study of Revelation--that the connection between God and His people is close and *decided. {FLB 345.3}

HE TOOK THREE*

Decided adj 1. definite or noticeable; Example: a decided improvement2. strong and definite; Example: he has decided views on the matter> decidedly adv. *

Sorrowful and very Heavy.*

What was the limit His sorrow arrived at?His sorrow was full.

As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened; yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. {DA 685.3}

His disciples had never before heard Him utter such mournful tones. His frame was convulsed with anguish, and His pale countenance expressed a sorrow past all description. {PrT, August 11, 1892 par. 3}

Sorrowful and very Heavy.*

Sorrow Full And now Exceeding.*

Exceedvb 1. to be greater in degree or quantity2. to go beyond the limit of (a restriction).

Sorrown 1. deep sadness or regret, associated with death or sympathy for another's misfortune2. a particular cause of this< vb 3. (Literary) to feel deep sadness about (death or another's misfortunes); mournsorrowful adj > sorrowfully *

26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful. . .

His sorrow was full, and now going passed it.

As His sorrow was exceeding its fullness, where was it going to?

It was soul anguish that wrung from the lips of God's dear Son this cry of woe: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."He was overwhelmed with horror at the fearful work that sin had wrought. His burden of guilt, because of man's transgression of the Father's law, was so great that human nature was inadequate to bear it. The sufferings of martyrs can bear no comparison with the agony of Christ. The divine presence was with them in their sufferings; but the Father's face was hidden from his dear Son. It was this that brought from the trembling lips of Christ the words, "Now is my soul troubled."{BEcho, August 1, 1892 par. 14}

Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." {DA 685.2}

The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.{DA 687.1}

Sense of God's wrath against sin.

(Senses are both physical and spiritual) If we have benumbed senses we will not discern how terrible sin is, Hebrews 5:14Thus we wouldnt have the desire to rid our souls of its darkness (Like Christ we should also care if we are being separated from God)

Sorrow Full And now Exceeding.*

I Need The Prayers of Those I Love.*

SOS505SOS505

Stay where you are and watch with me

He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man's sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression. {DA 686.3}

Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself. {DA 686.4}

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. {DA 686.4}

Like Standing without an intercessor.

When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. {GC 614.1}

But so long as Jesus remains man's intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments.Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble. {GC 610.3}

Times to not forget how we were lead in past prepare us.

As though the Father is not there.

Abrahams time to sacrifice his son.

"These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." {GC 648.3}

"In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault" before God. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Revelation 7:14-17. {GC 648.3}

In all ages the Saviour's chosen have been educated and disciplined in the school of trial. They walked in narrow paths on earth; they were purified in the furnace of affliction. For Jesus' sake they endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They followed Him through conflicts sore; they endured self-denial and experienced bitter disappointments. By their own painful experience they learned the evil of sin, its power, its guilt, its woe; and they look upon it with abhorrence. A sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure humbles them in their own sight and fills their hearts with gratitude and praise which those who have never fallen cannot appreciate. They love much because they have been forgiven much. Having been partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are fitted to be partakers with Him of His glory. {GC 649.1}

Like Standing without an intercessor.

Satan presses his temptations.

Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God. {DA 686.5} And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! {DA 687.1}

And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life. {DA 687.1} Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul.

At the thought of the grievous character of the guilt of the world, Christ felt that He must go apart, and be alone. The hosts of darkness were there to make sin appear as extensive, deep, and horrible as possible. In his hatred of God, in falsifying His character, in manifesting irreverence, contempt, and hatred toward the laws of His government, Satan had made iniquity reach unto the heavens, and it was his purpose to swell iniquity to such great proportions, that atonement should seem impossible; so that the Son of God, who sought to save a lost world, should be crushed beneath the curse of sin. {BTS, September 1, 1915 par. 3} The working of the vigilant foe in presenting to Christ the vast proportions of transgression, caused such poignant pain, that He felt that He could not remain in the immediate presence of any human being. He could not bear that even His disciples should witness His agony as He contemplated the woe of the world. Even His most dearly loved friends must not be in His companionship.

Tarry where you are and watch with me

Jesus felt that He must be still more alone, and He said to the favoured three, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with Me. {PrT, August 11, 1892 par. 3} . . .He desired them to spend the night with Him in prayer. Yet He could not bear that even they should witness the agony He was to endure. {DA 686.1} "Tarry ye here," He said, "and watch with Me." {DA 686.2}

Christ didnt want to destroy their faith knowing that they have never seen Him in such anguish, generally they all look to Him for strength, but they had seen enough to know that He needed their prayers. Similar to the scenes with Jacob (Gen 32:23-24) Sda hymnal 505

SOS505SOS505

I Need The Prayers of Those I Love.*

He went a little farther.*

He went a little distance from them--not so far but that they could both see and hear Him--and fell prostrate upon the ground. {DA 686.3}

He went a little farther.*

He went a little farther,And fell on His face.*

Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Joshua 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, [Art] thou for us, or for our adversaries? 5:14 And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

13 (1 Kings 8:54). Kneel for Prayer in Public Worship.--I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? . . . {3BC 1130.9} [Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40; Acts7:59, 60; Acts20:36; Acts 21:5; Ezra 9:5, 6; Ps. 95:6; Eph. 3:14 quoted.]. . . {3BC 1130.10}

Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God. . . . {3BC 1130.11}

Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Teaching reverence, or irreverence by example [2 Chron. 6:1-13 quoted.]. . . {3BC 1130.12} Is it possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools, by precept and example teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous? . . . {3BC 1130.13} We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Phariseeism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him. {3BC 1130.14}

The humble position of a petitioner And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? . . . {3BC 1130.15} Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and give expression to it in the words of thanksgiving and praise for these unmerited favors (NL 37, pp. 1-3). {3BC 1131.1} The prayer offered by Solomon during the dedication of the temple, was not made while he stood upon his feet. The king knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. {3BC 1131.2} Herein is a lesson for God's people today. Our spiritual strength and our influence are not increased by conformity to a worldly attitude during prayer. . . . Let man come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to his Creator (RH Nov. 30, 1905). {3BC 1131.3}

He went a little farther,And fell on His face.*

IF POSSIBLE, LET THIS CUP PASS:*

It was separation from the Father's love that forced from his pale, quivering lips the cry, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." {ST, November 21, 1892 par. 7}

Sin caused this separationHe was bowed to the earth with mental anguish, and in an agony he prayed to his Heavenly Father. He felt the iniquity of sin, and the wrath of God against the violators of his holy law. {ST, August 14, 1879 par. 1} Christ was amazed with the horror of darkness which enclosed him. The temptations of Satan were almost overpowering. These words, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me," were borne upon the sympathizing air, to his disciples, in tones of startling agony. The sins of a lost world were upon him, and a sense of his Father's anger in consequence of sin was crushing him. {ST, August 14, 1879}

Isaiah 59:1-2Gods love is consuming toward sin (Deut 4:24 & Deut 9:3, Heb 12:29) (As like antiseptic toward germs).

To allow sin to continue would be the opposite of love.

Removing sin is love. Freedom from pain etcThe history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God's unchanging love. {PP 33.3}

We need to have the same perfect hatred toward sin, (Psalm 139:21-22), or we will face the just requirement of our own sins, the wrath of God - The wrath of God is felt as the Father turns His face from us, how terrible!

It was not a dread of the physical suffering he was soon to endure that brought this agony upon the Son of God. He was enduring the penalty of man's transgression, and shuddering beneath the Father's frown. He must not call his divinity to his aid, but, as a man, he must bear the consequences of man's sin and the Creator's displeasure toward his disobedient subjects. As he felt his unity with the Father broken up, he feared that his human nature would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the prince of the power of darkness; and in that case the human race would be irrecoverably lost, Satan would be victor, and the earth would be his kingdom. {3SP 95-96}

What was this cup?

The bitter cup of separation from God In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed to His Father, saying, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matt. 26:39). The cup which He prayed should be removed from Him, that looked so bitter to His soul, was the cup of separation from God in consequence of the sin of the world. . . . {HP 89.4}

Martyrs or any child of God has never been left or forsakenThe sufferings of martyrs can bear no comparison with the agony of Christ. The divine presence was with them in their sufferings; but the Father's face was hidden from his dear Son. It was this that brought from the trembling lips of Christ the words, "Now is my soul troubled." "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; . . . {BEcho, August 1, 1892 par. 14}

Salvation by no other way In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man's stead, and the human nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:" but if there is no other way by which the salvation of fallen man may be accomplished, then "not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matt. 26:39). {TMK 64.2} {5BC 1103.1}

Satans plan and temptations was for Christ to quit. But as we know from the foundation of world Jesus made the decision to give all for humankind, so now when the time came to complete that mission he was not seeking to go back to heaven and quit, although this could of happened, He was seeking the possibility of saving man without the separation between Him the Father.

IF POSSIBLE, LET THIS CUP PASS:*

NEVERTHLESS NOT AS I WILL*

"Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39). The spirit of submission that Christ manifested in offering up His prayer before God is the spirit that is acceptable to God. Let the soul feel its need, its helplessness, its nothingness; let all its energies be called forth in an earnest desire for help, and help will come. . . . Let faith pierce the darkness. Walk with God in the dark as well as in the light, repeating the words, "He is faithful that promised" (Heb. 10:23). Through the trial of our faith we shall be trained to trust in God. {HP 89.4}

Speak words of submissionWhile presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." [LUKE 22:42.] Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals! {MH 230.1} {GW 218.1} " Then with entire submission to His Father's will, He adds: "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." {2T 206.1}

The sign of true conversionOur own way must be overcome. Pride, self-sufficiency, must be crucified and the vacuum supplied with the Spirit and power of God. . . . Did Jesus Christ, the Majesty of heaven, have His way? Behold Him in travail of soul in Gethsemane, praying to His Father. .."Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). This must be our attitude--Not my will, but Thine, O God, be done. This is true conversion. {HP 147.4} {true conversion also mentioned in,> ST, November 21, 1892 par. 7}

Converted prayer to a God who knows the beginning from the end In prayer for the sick it should be remembered that "we know not what we should pray for as we ought." Romans 8:26. We do not know whether the blessing we desire will be best or not. Therefore our prayers should include this thought: "Lord, thou knowest every secret of the soul. Thou art acquainted with these persons. Jesus, their Advocate, gave His life for them. His love for them is greater than ours can possibly be. If, therefore, it is for Thy glory and the good of the afflicted ones, we ask, in the name of Jesus, that they may be restored to health. If it be not Thy will that they may be restored, we ask that Thy grace may comfort and Thy presence sustain them in their sufferings." {MH 229.2

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." {MH 230.1}

Ezekiel 37 thou knowestDaniel 9 to us confusion of face

Watch or sleep*