When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. John 18:1-2
Meditation; In these verses, Jesus goes to pray with his disciples in a garden across from the Kidron Valley. His soon-to-be betrayer, Judas, knew he would find Jesus there. Even as Jesus knew of his impending death, he remained calm, and surrounded himself with those important to him. What better place for Jesus to spend his final hours of peace! He spent his remaining hours doing what he enjoyed the most, being with the people that he enjoyed the most.
There is one place where I go when I am feeling despondent… my journal. Writing in my journal is a place where I always feel safe. I can reflect on my day and almost always feel a sense of peace and accomplishment when I write in it. Although it may not traditionally be considered prayer, writing in my journal is a meditative, contemplative, and calming action that helps me focus on the things that are most important to me. My journal, in a way, is my garden of peace…
Like my journal, the garden was a place Jesus could go, to calm down, prepare for what was coming, and focus on what was important to Him.
What is your "garden" of peace?
Is there a place, person, action, or substance that you habitually turn to, to try to relax? More importantly, whatever your garden may be, is it a positive one?
Does it help or hurt you?
Follow the example of Jesus: be in a setting that you love with people you love…
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for sending Jesus our Savior, the “Prince of Peace”, to show us how to experience Peace in the midst of the world’s chaos. Guide us with your Holy Spirit to find the right place; our “Garden of Peace” to pray and be closer to you. In His name we pray. Amen!
Author: Jose Reyes
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