II - The Agony in the Garden

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not undergo the test." After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test." (Luke 22:39-46)

Gracious God, while the disciples slept, Jesus, alone and in anguish, prayed for deliverance from death. You did not turn a deaf ear to his plea, but through his resurrection, made him victorious over death. Our future is often frightful and difficult to accept. We pray for deliverance from pain, from sickness, and from the loneliness that seems to separate us even from you. Listen to our prayers. Send your Spirit to comfort us and to help us trust in your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.