Jesus, as he prepared for his death on the cross, demonstrated a certain sense of anxiety and loneliness as he spoke with his Father. He understands.
Anxiety is a real issue that can affect you or someone you know. You can help an anxious person just by noticing, caring, and being available to help bear their burdens.
After the meal was over, Jesus went with the disciples (except Judas, who had already left) to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. He asked his disciples to keep him company and pray for him, as he knew he would soon be arrested and sentenced to death. He asked them to keep watch with him, but they were very tired and Jesus felt very alone in the darkness, as he struggled to accept what was going to happen.
Matthew says: ‘Going a little further Jesus fell with his face to the ground and prayed,
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”’
Jesus prayed in this way three times whilst his disciples fell asleep. Jesus was alone in his mental agony, such that Luke says: “His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
Then Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs having told them that he would identify Jesus by giving him a kiss.
This he did and Jesus was arrested.
All the disciples deserted him and fled.
Jesus was betrayed, abandoned and alone.
Read the story - Luke 22:39-46
Try praying
Jesus, I pray that when I am struggling,
when I am feeling all alone,
that I will remember that you notice me,
that you care for me.
I pray that I will accept your help in my life.
Amen.