When the sun goes down it is always colder, so today I was out in the light. There was a fair few people out walking, cycling and running but we all gave each other a wide birth but also a cheery hello.

I was thinking about the stages or the way of the cross and traditionally these reflections start with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying in total agony. Have you ever been in prayer like that. I can think back to the few occasions that I have been in prayer in pain and anguish and God has answered dramatically. We need prayer like this today.

Mark 14:32-36

³² They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ³⁴ “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

³⁵ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hourmight pass from him. ³⁶ “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Stay here and keep watch. Did you hear what Jesus just said? In this time of isolation we are to stay in this restful spot. We know it was a restful spot because they kept falling asleep, but we are also to watch. Watch what Jesus is doing, praying fervently in agony. We need men and women, the younger generation and the senior to be praying like Jesus.

We see in the picture walkers walking up a path in Lancashire, with a load on their shoulders. If you feel like this and you feel you can not pray, then give this load to Jesus, try it. Ask Jesus with words to take the load off your shoulders and to give ear to what he says because His load is light and not a burden but a joy.

Dear Lord, inspire the next generation to be children of light. Inspire the current leaders and people to come up with solutions and to act always in love. Bring down your Holy Spirit and take loads from people and give them your loving joy. In Jesus name, Amen.