Finding Strength Through Honest Prayer and Surrender

Got Stress?

(from 8/17/2025 service)

 

Summary

Stress and anxiety are universal experiences, touching every life in some way. In our fast-paced world, these burdens can feel overwhelming, often leading us to seek relief in temporary comforts or distractions. Yet, the example of Jesus in Luke 22 offers a profound and practical path for navigating the weight of stress. On the night before His crucifixion, fully aware of the suffering ahead, Jesus experienced deep anguish—His flesh wrestling with the reality of what was to come. Rather than hiding from this stress or numbing it, He faced it honestly and brought it before the Father in prayer.

Jesus’ response was not a last resort, but a habitual practice. He went “as usual” to the Mount of Olives, His known place of prayer. This was not just a physical location, but a spiritual posture—a life marked by regular communion with God. The challenge is clear: do we have a “usual place” where we meet with God, a place where others know we can be found when life presses in? Our lives should be marked by this kind of consistency, so that prayer is not merely an emergency line, but our open, ongoing connection to the Father.

In His prayer, Jesus was honest: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.” He did not hide His desire for a different path, nor did He mask His struggle with religious formality. Yet, He concluded with the ultimate act of trust: “Not my will, but yours be done.” This surrender is the hardest part of prayer, but it is also the most transformative. It is in this place of honest surrender that God meets us, strengthens us, and prepares us for what lies ahead.

Prayer may not always change our circumstances, but it changes us. Just as an angel strengthened Jesus in the garden, God offers us His strength when we lay our burdens before Him. Like a phone that needs to be recharged, we must regularly “plug in” to God’s presence, allowing Him to renew us. The invitation is to find that usual place, pour out our hearts honestly, and trust God to carry what we cannot. In doing so, we discover that while the presence of anxiety is unavoidable, the prison of anxiety is optional when we surrender it to the One who cares for us.

Key Takeaways

- Jesus Understands Our Stress and Anxiety
Jesus, fully God and fully human, experienced real anguish and stress in the garden. He did not avoid or minimize these feelings, but faced them honestly. This affirms that our struggles with anxiety are not signs of spiritual failure, but part of the human experience—even for the Son of God. [06:16]

- The Power of a “Usual Place” of Prayer
Jesus went “as usual” to the Mount of Olives, showing the importance of having a consistent place and rhythm for prayer. This habitual return to God in times of stress shapes our identity and witness—others know where to find us when life gets hard. Our spiritual strength is often rooted in these regular, intentional encounters with God. [08:22]

- Honest Prayer Over Formality
Jesus’ prayer was raw and vulnerable: He asked the Father to change the plan if possible. God invites us to bring our true selves, not just polished words, into His presence. Authenticity in prayer opens the door for real transformation, as we lay down pretense and pour out our hearts before God. [15:42]

- Surrendering Our Will to God’s Will
The hardest part of prayer is not asking for what we want, but surrendering to what God knows is best. Jesus models this by concluding, “Not my will, but yours be done.” True peace and strength come not from controlling outcomes, but from trusting God’s wisdom and submitting our desires to His greater plan. [17:37]

- Prayer Strengthens Us for the Journey, Not Always the Outcome
After praying, Jesus did not leave the garden with changed circumstances, but with renewed strength to face them. Prayer may not remove our challenges, but it equips us to endure them with God’s help. Like a phone that needs recharging, we must regularly connect with God to receive the strength only He can provide. [21:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - The Reality of Stress in Our Lives
[02:39] - Turning to Luke 22: Jesus and Stress
[04:01] - The Night Before the Cross: Jesus’ Anguish
[06:16] - Jesus’ Humanity and Emotional Struggle
[07:43] - The Habit of Prayer: “As Usual”
[08:22] - The Importance of a Usual Place
[09:12] - Being Known as a Person of Prayer
[10:59] - The Testimony of Consistent Prayer
[13:40] - The Content of Jesus’ Prayer
[15:42] - Honest, Vulnerable Prayer
[17:37] - Surrendering to God’s Will
[18:15] - The Strengthening Power of Prayer
[20:03] - Carrying Our Burdens: Surrender and Strength
[21:27] - Prayer Doesn’t Always Change Circumstances
[23:29] - Prayer as Spiritual Recharging
[26:04] - Finding Your Usual Place
[26:28] - Casting Your Anxiety on God
[27:03] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jesus, Stress, and Honest Prayer

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### Bible Reading

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

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV)
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 22, what did Jesus do when he was feeling deep anguish and stress the night before his crucifixion? ([04:01])
2. What phrase does Luke use to describe Jesus’ habit of prayer, and what does it tell us about his relationship with God? ([07:43])
3. In Jesus’ prayer in the garden, what did he ask the Father, and how did he end his prayer? ([14:27])
4. What happened after Jesus prayed honestly and surrendered his will to the Father? ([18:15])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think it was important for Luke to mention that Jesus went “as usual” to the Mount of Olives to pray? What does this reveal about Jesus’ approach to stress and anxiety? ([08:22])
2. How does Jesus’ honest prayer (“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…”) challenge the way people often approach God in prayer? ([15:42])
3. What does it mean that prayer may not always change our circumstances, but it changes us? How is this seen in Jesus’ experience in the garden? ([21:27])
4. How does the image of “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) connect with what Jesus did in the garden? ([26:28])

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### Application Questions

1. Jesus had a “usual place” where he met with God. Do you have a regular place or time where you go to pray? If not, what might it look like for you to create that kind of habit? ([08:22])
2. When you are stressed or anxious, what is your first response? Do you tend to seek comfort in distractions, or do you bring your burdens honestly to God in prayer? ([02:39])
3. Jesus was honest with God about his desire for a different outcome, but he also surrendered to God’s will. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done”? What makes that hard for you? ([17:37])
4. The sermon compared prayer to recharging a phone—something we need to do regularly. What are some practical ways you can “plug in” to God’s presence this week, especially when you feel drained? ([23:29])
5. Jesus’ friends knew where to find him when he needed to pray. Are you known as a person of prayer among your family or friends? If not, what is one step you could take to become that kind of person? ([10:59])
6. The sermon said, “The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” What does it look like for you to surrender your anxiety to God instead of carrying it alone? ([20:03])
7. Think about a recent time when you felt overwhelmed. How might your response have been different if you had followed Jesus’ example in the garden? ([04:42])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person find their “usual place” with Him, to pray honestly, and to trust Him with their anxieties.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Understands Our Stress and Anxiety
Jesus, fully God and fully human, experienced real stress and anxiety just as we do. On the night before His crucifixion, He faced overwhelming anguish, knowing what was to come. He did not ignore or minimize these emotions but acknowledged them openly. This reminds us that our Savior truly understands the weight of our worries and the pressures we face in life. We are not alone in our struggles; Jesus has walked this path before us and shows us that it is not a lack of faith to feel anxious or stressed. Instead, He invites us to bring our burdens honestly before God, knowing that He empathizes with our pain. [04:01]

Luke 22:39-44 (ESV)
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 agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, how does it change your perspective to remember that Jesus Himself has felt the same emotions and understands exactly what you are going through?


Day 2: Make Prayer Your Usual Place
Jesus was known for going to a specific place to pray, especially in times of stress. He went “as usual” to the Mount of Olives, showing us the importance of having a regular, familiar place where we meet with God. This wasn’t just a backup plan for emergencies, but a consistent habit that shaped His life and ministry. Having a usual place of prayer not only grounds us but also becomes a testimony to those around us—our family, friends, and coworkers know where to find us when we need to connect with God. Where is your “as usual” place? Let it be a space where you can pour out your heart and be recharged by God’s presence. [10:59]

Matthew 6:5 (ESV)
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”

Reflection: Where is your “usual place” to meet with God in prayer, and how can you make it a consistent part of your daily routine so that others know you as a person of prayer?


Day 3: Honest Prayers—Pouring Out Your Heart
Jesus prayed honestly, asking God if the cup of suffering could be taken from Him, yet ultimately surrendered to God’s will. He did not hide His true feelings or use empty formalities, but poured out His heart with raw honesty. Like the psalmists who cried out in their distress, we are invited to bring our real emotions, doubts, and fears before God. Prayer is not about impressing God with our words, but about climbing into His lap and sharing what is truly on our hearts. When we pray honestly, we open ourselves to God’s comfort and guidance, trusting Him with our deepest struggles. [16:41]

Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV)
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Reflection: What is one honest, unfiltered prayer you need to bring to God today—something you’ve been holding back or afraid to say?


Day 4: Surrendering to God’s Will
The hardest part of Jesus’ prayer was surrendering His own will to the Father’s: “Not my will, but yours be done.” We often want to control our circumstances, but true peace comes when we let go and trust God’s plan, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense. Surrender is not weakness; it is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s wisdom and love. When we place our concerns in God’s hands, we open ourselves to His strength and guidance, even if our situation doesn’t immediately change. Surrendering to God’s will is the path to real freedom and peace. [18:15]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to surrender control to God, and what would it look like to truly place it in His hands today?


Day 5: Strengthened Through Prayer
Prayer may not always change our circumstances, but it changes us. As Jesus prayed, an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him, equipping Him to face what was ahead. When we bring our anxieties and burdens to God, He gives us the strength we need to endure, even if the storm doesn’t pass right away. Like recharging a phone, we need to “plug in” to God regularly to be renewed and empowered. God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us, and He promises to give us the strength we need for each day. [27:03]

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Reflection: What is one specific worry or burden you need to “cast” onto God today, trusting Him to strengthen and sustain you?

Quotes

Now, He had to deal with the same emotions we have at times. That we deal with, or you're dealing with right now. And He shows us something that, He gives us an example of how we are to respond in that situation. In these situations. And very simply put, Two words, Jesus prayed. That's what He does. [00:07:18] (24 seconds)  #FindYourPrayerPlace Edit Clip

Isn't that what we usually pray? God, if you, if you're willing, can you change this? Can you change this path? Can you do something different with this? That's what Jesus prayed. But the way that he ends it, the way that he finishes it up, that's the hardest thing for you and I to do. Not my will, but yours be done. We want to be in control. We want to be able to dictate. We want to be able to say, sometimes we just have to let go. Let go and let God. [00:16:57] (53 seconds)  #SurrenderAndStrength Edit Clip

What is Jesus doing here? It's similar to what David did in Psalm 13. He's telling God what his, how his flesh is struggling. But then in the end, he's submitting to the Lord's will. hardest thing for us to do. But where else can we turn when the situation looks grim? When the situation is dark? Jesus tells us exactly where. [00:17:53] (38 seconds)  #StrengthToFaceStorms Edit Clip

As we practice placing our concern in God's hand and giving him our petitions and our requests, understanding that he is able and that he knows what best, what Paul wrote in Philippians 4 can be true. with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts. We see that acting out, playing out right here in the Garden of Gethsemane. We see it playing out as an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him as Jesus went to the place that he was known for going to and laying it out and putting it in God's hands. It changes our perspective. It puts our flesh in check. It calms our heart. It calms our worries. [00:19:25] (56 seconds)  #PlugIntoPrayer Edit Clip

When we try to carry it all on our own shoulders, it is crushing, but when we surrender it to God, he has a way of lifting it off of us. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. He was strengthened. And that's the end result of prayer. It's to receive the strength of the Lord. That's my final point. Be strengthened. Strengthened because we place our concern in the hand of God. Who else could we trust and rely on to handle it than God? Whose will do we choose? It's his that is the best. [00:20:43] (51 seconds)  #CarryWithTheLord Edit Clip

And the thing is, is that Jesus didn't leave the garden with his circumstances changed. He left strengthened to face the circumstances ahead. He knew what was to take place. He knew what must take place. But as his flesh wrestled with it, he needed God's strength to face it. And that's what prayer does. it may not take the storm away, but it gives you an umbrella to hold as you walk through that storm. Or perhaps it's a poncho and you still end up a little wet, but not completely. Some sense of protection, something that only God can give, something that only God can provide. [00:21:35] (56 seconds) Edit Clip

Prayer is a lot like those double chargers, those double lightning boat chargers. If you use it, what kind of strength, what kind of recharge, what kind of empowerment might we receive when we know that we're plugged in with God through prayer. When you can't see the forest or the trees. When you don't know what that meeting with the boss, how that meeting might go. When you're worried about that application that you've put in for a new job. Whenever you're worried about the test that your doctor ordered. when you're dealing with the results of that and you're going through the treatment for that. Perhaps you might need to be plugged in just a little bit longer or a little bit more often. [00:24:31] (67 seconds) Edit Clip

``You don't have to carry it anymore. You don't have to carry it alone. You don't have to carry it in your weakness. You can carry it with the Lord. He will carry it for you. He will give you strength. So got stress? Got anxiety? Got something that you're worried about? Take it to God. [00:26:42] (38 seconds) Edit Clip

Sermon Clips

Now, He had to deal with the same emotions we have at times. That we deal with, or you're dealing with right now. And He shows us something that, He gives us an example of how we are to respond in that situation. In these situations. And very simply put, Two words, Jesus prayed. That's what He does. [00:07:18] (24 seconds)  #FindYourPrayerPlace

Isn't that what we usually pray? God, if you, if you're willing, can you change this? Can you change this path? Can you do something different with this? That's what Jesus prayed. But the way that he ends it, the way that he finishes it up, that's the hardest thing for you and I to do. Not my will, but yours be done. We want to be in control. We want to be able to dictate. We want to be able to say, sometimes we just have to let go. Let go and let God. [00:16:57] (53 seconds)  #SurrenderAndStrength

What is Jesus doing here? It's similar to what David did in Psalm 13. He's telling God what his, how his flesh is struggling. But then in the end, he's submitting to the Lord's will. hardest thing for us to do. But where else can we turn when the situation looks grim? When the situation is dark? Jesus tells us exactly where. [00:17:53] (38 seconds)  #StrengthToFaceStorms

As we practice placing our concern in God's hand and giving him our petitions and our requests, understanding that he is able and that he knows what best, what Paul wrote in Philippians 4 can be true. with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts. We see that acting out, playing out right here in the Garden of Gethsemane. We see it playing out as an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him as Jesus went to the place that he was known for going to and laying it out and putting it in God's hands. It changes our perspective. It puts our flesh in check. It calms our heart. It calms our worries. [00:19:25] (56 seconds)  #PlugIntoPrayer

When we try to carry it all on our own shoulders, it is crushing, but when we surrender it to God, he has a way of lifting it off of us. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. He was strengthened. And that's the end result of prayer. It's to receive the strength of the Lord. That's my final point. Be strengthened. Strengthened because we place our concern in the hand of God. Who else could we trust and rely on to handle it than God? Whose will do we choose? It's his that is the best. [00:20:43] (51 seconds)  #CarryWithTheLord

And the thing is, is that Jesus didn't leave the garden with his circumstances changed. He left strengthened to face the circumstances ahead. He knew what was to take place. He knew what must take place. But as his flesh wrestled with it, he needed God's strength to face it. And that's what prayer does. it may not take the storm away, but it gives you an umbrella to hold as you walk through that storm. Or perhaps it's a poncho and you still end up a little wet, but not completely. Some sense of protection, something that only God can give, something that only God can provide. [00:21:35] (56 seconds)

Prayer is a lot like those double chargers, those double lightning boat chargers. If you use it, what kind of strength, what kind of recharge, what kind of empowerment might we receive when we know that we're plugged in with God through prayer. When you can't see the forest or the trees. When you don't know what that meeting with the boss, how that meeting might go. When you're worried about that application that you've put in for a new job. Whenever you're worried about the test that your doctor ordered. when you're dealing with the results of that and you're going through the treatment for that. Perhaps you might need to be plugged in just a little bit longer or a little bit more often. [00:24:31] (67 seconds)

``You don't have to carry it anymore. You don't have to carry it alone. You don't have to carry it in your weakness. You can carry it with the Lord. He will carry it for you. He will give you strength. So got stress? Got anxiety? Got something that you're worried about? Take it to God. [00:26:42] (38 seconds)

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