Is there life out there?

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”  Galatians 4:6

Jesus knew His hour had come. He poured out His heart to His father, saying “Abba, Father...everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will but what you will”

(Mark 14:36

). For a few brief moments, ponder the elements of His simple prayer in relationship to your own personal prayer life. 

First, “Abba, Father” speaks of a relationship. Perhaps the closest English equivalent of “Abba” is “Papa” or “Daddy.” It is intimate, loving and dependent.

The second element of His prayer is a reminder of the Father’s capability. “Everything is possible for you,” He says. He knew the Father spoke the word and brought the world into existence. He knew that nothing limited God’s power and thus, He quietly reminded both His Father and Himself that nothing is beyond God’s ability to do.

Then Jesus made His request – “Take this cup from me!” He knew that He would die in the hands of the Romans. Death was not His fear. He feared being separated from the presence of the Father.

Finally, Jesus recognized His Father’s preeminence or supremacy – “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

So it is okay to pray specifically for what you want? Absolutely! That’s what Jesus did. Don’t beat around the bush when you talk to God. Get specific. Outline your views. Ask what you will, but – and this is vitally important – do what Jesus did. Put your need in His hands and submit your will to His great will. He knows what is best for you.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:39-45