Introduction:
The event of Jesus praying at Gethsemane is a profound moment in the New Testament, illustrating the depth of Christ's humanity and divinity. This episode is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46. It takes place shortly after the Last Supper and just before Jesus' arrest, marking the beginning of His Passion.

Location:
Gethsemane is a garden located on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. The name "Gethsemane" means "oil press," indicating it was likely an olive grove. This setting provides a backdrop of solitude and reflection, contrasting with the turmoil that Jesus is about to face.

Narrative Overview:
After the Last Supper, Jesus leads His disciples to Gethsemane. He instructs them to sit while He goes to pray, taking Peter, James, and John further into the garden. Jesus expresses His deep sorrow and distress, saying, "My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me" (Matthew 26:38).

Jesus' Prayer:
Jesus moves a short distance away and falls to the ground, praying earnestly. He addresses God as "Abba, Father," a term of intimate relationship, and pleads, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). This prayer reveals Jesus' submission to the Father's will, despite the impending suffering.

The Disciples' Struggle:
Returning to His disciples, Jesus finds them asleep and admonishes them, "Could you not keep watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:40-41). This highlights the disciples' human frailty and the need for vigilance in prayer.

Repetition of Prayer:
Jesus prays a second and third time, repeating His request for the cup to pass but ultimately submitting to God's will. This repetition underscores the intensity of His struggle and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His mission.

Divine Strengthening:
In Luke's account, an angel appears to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43). This divine intervention emphasizes the gravity of the moment and the necessity of heavenly support for the task ahead.

Final Admonition and Arrest:
After praying, Jesus returns to His disciples, finding them asleep again. He declares, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" (Matthew 26:45). Jesus then prepares to meet His betrayer, Judas Iscariot, who arrives with a crowd to arrest Him.

Theological Significance:
The prayer at Gethsemane is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, showcasing Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man. His willingness to submit to the Father's will, despite His anguish, exemplifies perfect obedience and sacrifice. This event foreshadows the redemptive work of the cross, where Jesus will ultimately fulfill His role as the Savior of humanity.