It’s been difficult returning from Guatemala to find the right things to write. I’ll include more information and photos next week. Because this is Holy Week, most of us will attend church more and contemplate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.

Putting together the two – returning from Guatemala and Holy Week – I think it’s fitting when we attend church to use our time in focused prayer. Our mission efforts need prayer. Our missionaries request it. They are up against things most of us don’t realize or have to deal with. Prayer is a powerful tool and weapon for them in their struggle against evil and their efforts to spread the Gospel message. They depend on it as we all should.

Jesus depended on prayer. He asked his friends to “watch” with Him but they fell asleep. He was in great distress and asked them to come with Him and they fell asleep. Now is not the time for us to be sleepy! We should pray, and pray continually.  We can pray for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to open many hearts to the saving message of Jesus Christ. We can also pray for the safety our missionaries and their psychological needs. We can also pray that we will continue to support our churches all over the world.

I share this painting with you. The picture accompanying this blog is titled, “Christ in Gethsemane” from an altarpiece, St. Hans Church, Odense, Denmark by artist Carl Bloch. It’s one of my favorites.

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation (Luke 22:39-46).

There is much praying to be done. Take advantage of Holy Week and be focused in prayer.

Patti