Pastor Bryan Walmer

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.
44 After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” Matthew 26:36-46 CSB

Communication is an important part of cultivating any relationship. God has given us prayer to do that.

Prayer is communal.

Prayer is not just an individual practice.

We should have a community of prayer in our lives.

Prayer can be simple.

We overcomplicate what prayer needs to be.

Keeping prayer simple can make it less daunting.

Prayer can be a struggle.

We struggle with prayer because our communication with God is cut off by sin.

Prayer is a key way to struggle against sin in our lives

Prayer is essential.

Prayer builds intimacy with God.

Prayer shapes us into who God wants us to be.