A TRIP TO GETHSEMANE

St. Francis of Assisi had a personal retreat
Mount Averno where he spent hours
In anguish of a burden heart
Those close to Francis say he prayed for hours
Never voicing any word but “God”

We often look at mortals like this
And quickly label them saints
Artist often place halos above their heads in painting
Consider the one who led the way
Along the path of prayer as it climaxed in Gethsemane

Luke paints a picture of Gethsemane
As it ought to be not one of Christ
Calmly kneeling halo fixed above his head
Luke reflects in retrospect
And being in agony he prayed more earnestly

And his sweat was as it were great
Drops of blood falling down to the ground
A bible commentator remarks
Doubtless the battle of the cross
Was first fought and won in Gethsemane

It is considered that the soul anguish
Which he suffered on that occasion
Was equal to that which he suffered
On the cross of Calvary
A trip to Gethsemane

In reality Christ died in Gethsemane
Before he ever died on the cross
He no doubt was nailed to Gethsemane’s ground
Bu the burden before nails of roman soldiers
Hanged Him to the cross
Have you been to Gethsemane?

Consider the words of Williams Gaither:
Have you had a Gethsemane?
Have you prayed in despair?
In the dark of the dreary hour
Did the Lord meet you there?