Jesus, the night when he was going to be arrested, went to a garden where he prayed earnestly for his suffering to be taken away.

Jesus knew that the pain of Peter’s betrayal, the soldier’s whipping, the crown of thorns on his head, the nails in his hands, and the shame of crucifixion were part of God’s plan and purpose. Yet, Jesus still went to God in prayer.

But I’ve missed one thing all these years in that passage of scripture. Jesus went back and prayed the same prayer three times.

“Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.” Mark 14:39

Jesus prayed three times for something He knew wouldn’t change. He knew God could change his circumstances, but he also knew it was in God’s will that he should suffer and die. So why did Jesus pray at all? Did it make a difference?

“So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” Matthew 26:44

There are many times that I’ve given up praying for certain things because I have this feeling that nothing will change.

I remember a friend once asking me why I continued to pray for a good result after the exam was over. Shouldn’t I have prayed before the exam, because nothing would change the result after the fact?

Jesus prayed the same thing again and again and again. Though his prayers weren’t answered, scripture tells us that an angel from heaven came and strengthened him. We can find hope in that.

Maybe our prayers won’t be answered in the way we imagine but if you’ve been praying for the same thing for a long time, you’re in good company. Your prayers do make a difference.

Your prayers may not change your circumstances but it will give you the strength to endure whatever comes your way.

Don’t stop going back to God with that prayer request, even if it has been more than a decade of praying. He’s not tired of you and Jesus understands you.