“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions* with loud** cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7 NIV

In the Stillness of the Night

I do my best praying at night in my bed with the covers over my head. Many tears are shed and boxes of Kleenex have ended up on the floor and I have wondered if this was an appropriate way to talk with God. Maybe I should be more proper—stand or kneel in the light of day and try not to be such a big blubbery mess. A holy, mighty God deserves better respect than this, I thought. But then, today I found this verse in Hebrews and decided to study it a bit.

prayer—a spiritual communion with God, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession

petitions—a  request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority

reverent—a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration

submission—to give over or yield to the power or authority of another

*supplication (NKJV)—hiketeria in Greek means “an olive branch wrapped in wool” which was something someone in Greek culture would hold and wave to express their prayer and desire.

**vehement (NKJV)—marked by great energy or exertions; strenuous; violent; strongly emotional; intense or passionate

David Guzik says, “Significantly, this supplication of Jesus took place in a garden of olives—and he supplied the “wool,” being the Lamb of God! If Jesus asked that the cup be taken away from Him and the cup was not taken away, how can it be said that He was heard? Because His prayer was not to escape His Father’s will, but to accept it—and that prayer was definitely heard.”

Wow! Jesus’ example is now a comfort to me. I can continue to interrupt the stillness of the night with my blubbering, knowing that as I submit my prayers to God in reverence, He hears me and answers. And this God hears your tear-stained, sometimes screaming prayers and petitions as well. Don’t stop.

“Father in heaven, thank You that You hear us as you find us in our beds, our cars, our closets, in the dark, in the light, with tears streaming down our faces. Help us to submit to You and Your will so that You will answer. In the name of our precious Jesus. Amen!”