The night before he went to the cross, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew he was going to face torture, suffering, and death on the cross the next day. He didn’t want to go through that pain any more than you or I would want to.

“He went on a little further and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by” (Mark 14:35 NLT).

Jesus wanted to know if there was some other way that God could accomplish his will for the salvation of the world. So he prayed and asked his Father to make a way for him. In doing that, Jesus showed us that it’s okay to tell God that you don’t want to go through your suffering.

Mark 14:36 says, “‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine’” (NLT).

In this prayer, Jesus models the three things to pray when you’re in pain:

Affirm God’s power. Tell God, “Father, I know you can do anything! All things are possible for you. I know you could take care of this situation. I know you could keep me out of this suffering. I know you could take away the pain instantly. God, you’re all-powerful.”

Ask with passion. Then say to God, “Father, please give me what I ask! Take away this suffering and pain. You see my hurt, and I know you care. I know you are with me. I know you will answer my prayer. Please don’t let this pain be my burden any longer.”

Accept God’s plan. Finally, tell him, “God, I don’t want to go through this suffering. But what I want most is your will. More than anything, I want your plan, your purpose, and your perspective. Please do your will in my life, even if it means I have to bear this pain. I know you will be with me and help me and make me more like you.

This is not an easy prayer, especially when you’re in pain. But it will always be the prayer God honors and answers.