The characteristics of the prayer of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane are:

1. It was a lonely prayer: “And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed” Luke 22:41
2. It was a humble prayer. In Mark, we are told Christ “knelt,” and in Matthew, that He fell upon His face. The attitude of His body is an indication of the posture of His spirit.
3. It was a filial prayer. He does not say here, as He did afterwards, “My God,” etc., but “Abba Father.” The former reminds us of God’s dealing in judgment with sin: the latter is the Father making known His will (Mark 14:36).
4. It was an earnest prayer (Luke 22:44; Hebrews 5:7).
5. It was a repeated prayer: He used “the same words again” (Matt. 26:44).
6. It was a persevering prayer. He prayed three times (Matt. 26:44).
7. It was a resigned prayer. “Not My will,” etc. (Luke 22:42). “My will, not Thine, be done,” turned Paradise into a desert; and “Thy will, not Mine be done,” turned the desert into Paradise.
8. It was an answered prayer. In Luke 22:43, we are told an angel came and strengthened Him.

- Adapted from a sermon outline by F.E. Marsh.