Praying with Tears

“When He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, [He] was heard because of His godly fear” (Hebrews 5:7). The life of Jesus provides the model for our prayer lives. God is seeking to mold us into the image of His Son (Col. 1:27–28). If we are to act like Christ, our prayer lives must be conformed to His. Many Christians are unwilling to pay the price that Jesus paid when it comes to interceding with God. Jesus’ prayers came with vehement cries and tears and, “because of His godly fear,” He was heard by the Father. Why, then, did the Father refuse His request? It was not due to any sin in Jesus’ life, nor was it because the Father did not love His Son. The Father said no, despite the unfathomable love He had for His Son, because He knew He could not spare His Son and save a world. Likewise, the Lord cannot always spare you and your family and complete His redemptive work in those around you. Are you willing for God to deny your pleadings? Will you intercede with the Father so deeply and intimately that even in the midst of your tears you are able to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done”? The Father will always relate to you out of the context of His love for a lost world. Has God said no to one of your requests recently? Accept His answer. Have you been learning obedience through what you have been suffering (Heb. 5:8)? If you have, God may choose to make you a source of salvation to others even as He did with His Son.” —Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God

Jesus' prayer life—marked by tears, cries, and deep reverence—shows us what it means to truly intercede. He didn’t approach the Father with casual words, but with a heart fully surrendered, even when the answer was “no.” And though He was heard, He was not spared—because love required sacrifice. Sometimes, we too will pour out our hearts, only to hear silence or receive answers we didn’t hope for. But this does not mean God has turned away; it means He is doing something deeper, something redemptive, not just in us, but through us. Can we trust Him even there? Can we pray with open hands and a surrendered heart: “Not my will, but Yours be done”? God may use your “no” to become someone else’s breakthrough. When your prayers feel unanswered, remember—they may be shaping you into someone who carries hope for others. Let Jesus be your model, and let trust rise even in the tears. —DH