Praying in Life’s Darkest Hours (John 12)

Jesus is about to ‘be lifted up’ (for all to see – shame, the greatest unfairness/injustice, as though powerless – He who had ALL authority and power) for the sins of the whole world…and He knows it. He says, “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’” (vs.27)

While we cannot die for the sins of the world like Jesus, we are called to suffer for His sake (1 Pet. 2:21) and we simply live in a fallen world cursed by sin and death. What should we pray in the midst of suffering? What can we learn from His example here?

To help frame our prayer, remember:

–We are fulfilling a purpose of our calling. 1 Peter 2:21

–“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

—“He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” John 12:25

–God uses it to complete the work He’s begun in us. Philippians 1:6; James 1:2-4

–God promises good and glory out of it. Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17

My first tendency is to pray, “Jesus, deliver me; get me out of this; please, change these circumstances.” What did Jesus pray? Vs. 28, “Father, glorify Your name.”

I want that to be my first prayer as well.