In the Quiet, Cold Darkness

"And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.'" Matthew 26:39

"So the Roman cohort and the commander, and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiphas, who was high priest that year." John 18:12-13

"But Peter said, 'Man, I do not know what you are talking about.'  And immediately, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed.  And the Lord turned and looked at Peter." Luke 22:60-61a

"Annas therefore sent Him bound to Caiphas the high priest. -- They led Jesus therefore from Caiphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium in order that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover." John 18:24, 28

We travelled to the Praetorium in Jerusalem by bus.  We entered and walked into a large foyer with marble floors and quietly walked further to a circular railing in the middle of a large inner room.

My pastor, Doug McIntosh, had tried to prepare us for this day, but how could he have!  We followed him down dimly-lit, sandstone stairs that circled the inside of a rough-hewed cistern. 

As we descended, it grew increasingly dim, damp and cool.  Once on the bottom, we were told to move around the room and then stand still.  At a silent cue someone turned the dim light out and we were plunged into a thick, velvety darkness. 

Doug's voice, ever soft and deeply reverent, shared that this is the place believed to be where Jesus was held until the early morning before He was brought to Pilate. 

Doug encouraged us to quietly and individually meditate on the fact that the stairs were not there in Jesus day.  Jesus would have been brutalised by now.  A rope would have been tied under His arms and he would have been lowered to the bottom to spend the long hours till morning alone in the cold, dark dampness.

I've never experienced such overwhelming grief for my sin and the price Jesus paid for me!  Most of us found ourselves helplessly in tears on our knees on the very cold and hard stone.  The image of this lonely time of surrender of the Lord to His fate was burned into our hearts forever!  He who knew no sin...

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

PS:  My statement of faith is on the blog:  Especially His Love .  Either click the link or cut and paste this link in your Web browser (http://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ )

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST?

• ·        UPDATE - Adrian - has to return to another dentist for x-rays tomorrow.  Pray for travelling mercies.  Will then return to Brisbane (an hour away) to a special clinic to have additional work done later this month.  Update regarding cancer treatments to be 29 April.  I spoke with him last night and he is, as his text said:  "Feeling very poorly, on verge of throwing up - need more prayer than usual."  He is very stressed and very tired.  Shane, Carol and Stewart McClelland, are all too busy with church and family to take time with him over the holiday.  Please do not grow weary of praying for him. 
• ·        Donald Trump - the new USA President.  If ever there was a time to pray for an individual, it is now!  No matter whom you voted for or wanted as President, it is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  Pray someone helps him understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him.  So much depends on it.
• ·        Egypt - North Korea - Syria 'chemical attack - Train explosion in Russia - Colombia landslide: Rescue teams race to reach survivors - Australian Torrential Floods
• ·        David R - fell off the wheel chair ramp and dislocated his shoulder, but is being treated and recovering.  Pray for Heidi as she watches over him.  Thank you for holding him in your prayers as things settle.  Pray the new tenants in his building stop smoking or find a new place to live.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Fin/Spencer and Deborah - Pray for travelling mercies as they are on the road to visit family.
• ·        Easter Travellers - pray for Christians who may be taking focused time with family and friends for the holidays -- that they may have grace and patience and radiate Christ's love in every instance during this special season.

FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE - especially at Easter

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation.  No word yet about situation where Medicaid will no longer provide home care for her.  Pray for wisdom for Audley as he cares for his beloved.  Pray also that God continues to multiply the effectiveness of his radio ministry in Florida.
• ·        Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has multiple myelomas.  Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone, in Lilburn Georgia.
• ·        St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - and the many who serve there, especially the pastors: Simon Flinders, Adam Street, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley and their families.
• ·        Jo and Steve - for their NZ ministries and for reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters. 
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - the entire family is involved in full-time ministry in NZ.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith - in the Philippines - a land growing increasingly chaotic and dangerous.  Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Please, take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click:   "Philippines".
• ·        Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many areas, for strength, wisdom and protection.
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him ample opportunity to continue his ministry in Sydney.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith (in Queensland) and Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) need your prayers for their ministries.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the Pope, who need our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Doris (my "second mom)- at 98 years young is growing stronger every day and sharing the Gospel with vigour!
• ·        BG - his headaches have been diagnosed as a type of mini-strokes.  He needs our prayers to strengthen him and keep him calm.  
• ·        Steve/ Fion -  Pray for his wisdom, creativity, strength, more funding for his university.
• ·        Raven - continues to strengthen after her long ordeal with cancer.  New cancer meds have given her a more normal life.  Pray she will be found cancer-free.
• ·        Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, US, Australia, UK, Poland, Germany, France, Portugal, American Samoa, Romania, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Claudio - diagnosed with liver cancer.  Please pray for him and his health carers to be compassionate and wise.  Pray for Elea, his wife, as she holds his hand through this --that she has strength and hope.
• ·        Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease for ongoing encouragement as she battles with weaknesses and unsteadiness as she manages a household with husband and five children.  Give her wisdom, energy and patience.
• ·        My brother, Tim - Weather is so changeable right now for his COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease).  Pray for his strength, wisdom and health.  Pray also for Barb, his wife, who supports and cares for him. 
• ·        Meldapilu - hip replacement from accident in October has healed well but they have had to repeat her knee surgery.
• ·        Judith - wife of Isaias in the Philippines.  Spinal surgery put on hold as she is improving from alternate therapies.  Pray for the wisdom of her doctors and health carers.  (See prayer request below "Full-Time Service" for more details if you wish to help).
• ·        Edna Losbanes - wife of Staff Evangelist Isachar Losbanes of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines (see prayer requests below) suffered a mild stroke 29 December.  Need an air conditioner and small refrigerator for her meds.  Please pray these simple needs will be met and for her full recovery.
• ·        Liriel - who is chronically ill and often in pain.  Please pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
• ·        CK (78 years old stroke survivor) No longer able to drive.  Becoming increasingly dependent on his wife.  This is growing increasingly difficult for them.
• ·        John has reached a recovery plateau from a stroke.  He is trying to release some responsibilities of managing his big farm and needs prayer for the mounting legal complications arising.  He struggles with motivation to take a more active role in his day-to-day health and now is diagnosed with sleep apnoea.
• ·        Patti (daughter of Doris) recently diagnosed with asthma and sleep apnoea.
• ·        Julia (daughter of Patti) battling depression.  Pray she rededicates her life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
• ·        Adrian (Patti's 5-1/2-year-old grandson) has serious behaviour problems and is regularly removed from his Kindergarten classes for safety of the other children.  Please pray for the parents, teachers and Adrian.
• ·         Aunt Donna - (Doris' sister, age 84) has dementia. Please pray for her daughters for guidance in her care.
• ·        Joanne - sister to David R, being overwhelmed by dementia and macular degeneration.  She is one of the most gracious Christian women I have ever known. 
• ·        Sandy - No news on her symptoms which may be Crohn's Disease.  Pray for wise doctors.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        Continue to pray for the special person you identified in your assignment until they fall into His arms.  Then you can pick another to pray for!
• ·        Pray for RS who I had the delightful privilege of sharing the Gospel with yesterday.  Please pray for her that she keeps considering what we discussed.
• ·        Bobby and George - that they will begin to consider Christ.  Pray for travelling mercies for Bobby as he joins Adam in Thailand for the holidays.  George has asked to come to church with me Easter Sunday!
• ·        Karen - who I spoke with recently about the Lord, that in her confusion and the chaos of her job, she will search for His peace.
• ·        Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ as so much still needs sorting out. 
• ·        Adam - life is filled with confusion and need.  Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord loves him.
• ·        Scott (in the USA) recently single father who must now care for his children alone and that this situation will help his heart melt in awareness of the Lord's love for him.
• ·        Bible study in Jo's home Pray for wisdom of Jo and openness in the women who meet together, especially Angie and Liz.
• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) Pray for him to find direction and encouragement and most of all to come to the Lord. 
• ·        Lennie - PS ex-son-in-law and father to PS' 11 year old granddaughter.  Please pray for his salvation.
• ·        Sarah - God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and that He captures her heart through this. 
• ·        DB's father - (84 years) pray his heart opens to Christ.  He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist. 
• ·        Chester (Adrian's friend) with pancreatic cancer that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• ·        Paul - has interviews this week.  The script he wrote is providing limited funds over a few months.  He has not had paying work since 2010.  I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  
• ·        Me - meeting today with the decision-maker for the project that was to have started last month.  Pray he has some work for me.  Continuing to pursue additional projects.  Did not hear from the agency about the one I hoped to get.  With the holidays here, people are distracted to get away early.  I keep following up and strengthening my heart through Bible study, the encouragement of family and friends and some great teachers on YouTube.  Thank you for praying for me.
• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to pay what they owe him so he can have more time with his young daughter.   
• ·        Sergio - his projects have ended and he is looking for work again.  He is in Mexico City where work for graphic designers is rare.  I've just recommended him to one of my contacts.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        Pray for the growing number of displaced people from wars and famine.  These refugees need compassion.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• ·        Elaine and Jim -in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  A small army of dedicated prayer warriors is waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, Reg, JD, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.
• ·        Hans - therapy has ended.  Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.