The characteristics of the prayer of Christ are:—
1. It was a lonely prayer. He withdrew Himself about a stone's cast from His disciples, as He went to prayer (Luk 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 in 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," &c., but "Abba Father." The former reminds of God's dealing in judgment with sin: the latter is the Father making known His will (Mar 14:36).
4. It was an earnest prayer (Luk 22:44; Hbr 5:7).
5. It was a repeated prayer. He used "the same words" (Mat 26:44).
6. It was a persevering prayer. He prayed three times (Mat 26:44).
7. It was a resigned prayer. "Not My will," &c. (Luk 22:42). "'My will, not Thine, be done,' turned Paradise into a desert; and 'Thy will, not Mine be done,' turned the desert into a Paradise."
8. It was an answered prayer. In Luk 22:43, we are told an angel came and strengthened Him.