Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”
Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”
He then left them a second time. Again he prayed, “My Father, if there is no other way than this, drinking this cup to the dregs, I’m ready. Do it your way.”
When he came back, he again found them sound asleep. They simply couldn’t keep their eyes open. This time he let them sleep on, and went back a third time to pray, going over the same ground one last time.
When he came back the next time, he said, “Are you going to sleep on and make a night of it? My time is up, the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the hands of sinners. Get up! Let’s get going! My betrayer is here.” (Matthew 26-26 MSG)
Under My Branches
© 2013 Diana Rasmussen
In the corner of the Garden, He falls under the shining stars
Letting go of tears and fears. Under my branches
He falls under my canopy. Watching Him is pure agony
Crushed by sorrow, suffering, Under my branches“Father let this cup, pass from me
Yet not my will, but Yours be done
I’ll finish what You have begun.”
Jesus prays, under my branches
He asks his friends to stay awake. Spirit’s willing, the flesh is weak
Nevertheless He still prays, Under my branches“Father let this cup, pass from me
Yet not my will, but Yours be done
I’ll finish what You have begun.”
Jesus prays, under my branchesMy branches were not meant to hold Him
He would hang on another tree
From my garden I could see Him
As He died on Calvary“Father let this cup, pass from me
Yet not my will, but Yours be done
I’ll finish what You have begun.”
Jesus prays, under my branches
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
The melody and lyrics are breathtaking. Brings tears of beauty to my eyes. Thanks for sharing Diana!
Really lovely, Ms. D!!!!
The lyrics are as beautiful as the melody. I especially appreciate the haunting quality
to the overall piece. It has all the hallmarks of a bittersweet dirge.
Awww. Thanks t, u rock!