Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 26:43-44

"And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And he left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same words." — Matthew 26:43-44 (ASV)

Great sorrow produces different results in different persons. In the Savior’s case, it aroused Him to a profound agony of earnestness in prayer. In the disciples’ case, it sent them to sleep. Luke says that they were sleeping for sorrow. Their Master might find an excuse for their neglect, but oh! how they would blame themselves afterwards for missing that last opportunity of watching with their wrestling Lord! As He could get no comfort from them, He left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Those who teach that we should pray only once, and not repeat the petition that we present to the Lord, cannot quote our Savior’s example in support of their theory, for three times on that dread night He offered the same supplication and even used the same language. Paul also, like his Master, besought the Lord thrice that the thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, might depart from him.