Christ’s Presence in the Garden of Gethsemane

But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself;
    the LORD hears when I call to him.
When you are disturbed, do not sin;
    ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
    Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”
You have put gladness in my heart
    more than when their grain and wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
    for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety. —Psalm 4:3–8

In the Garden of Gethsemane there is an ancient olive tree that some say was living at the time of Jesus, but our guide Rose said it is only 1,500 years old (only!).

I can’t begin to explain the feeling I had while walking in the garden. It is inexplicable and powerful, standing there and looking across the Kidron Valley at the Golden Gate of the eastern Temple Wall, the gate through which Christ will enter upon his return.

I walked along a beautiful garden pathway lined with flowers and bushes and sat down on a small stone bench to pray. As I looked eastward toward the Temple Mount, I heard a songbird in a nearby olive tree singing ever so softly. After a few minutes of prayer, thanking God for his amazing grace and the blessing of being present in the garden where Jesus walked and prayed, I could feel the warmth of God’s Spirit flowing over me, assuring me of God’s continuing presence. I was overcome with joy and gratitude.

My spirit and soul were lifted high above, with the awareness of God’s presence and grace upon this land and its people, Israel. And then I prayed for the peace of all people everywhere, and for the return of Christ and his kingdom.

I believe with all my heart in the return of Jesus Christ. Every day I wait for him. He will come again, just as he promised, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” (1 Thess. 4:16)

Give me eyes to see clearly, hands that reach out, a heart full of your love, and feet that will follow you anywhere you lead.

Spiritual Practice

Embodying God’s Shalom

Find a way to express and embody God’s shalom. Begin by prayerfully listening to your longing for peace and wholeness. Become silent and imagine you can hear the groaning of the Earth’s people, nations, and creatures. Prayerfully open yourself to God’s yearning for peace and the divine vision of shalom.

What images, feelings, and words come to you? What prayer for peace comes to you from your time of listening? Speak or write this prayer. What act of justice, kindness, healing, or peacemaking does God invite you to consider this day?

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