1. Jesus prays alone. Luke 22:39-44

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

“Jesus Prays Alone”

Watercolors, acrylic paint, and reflective vinyl on canvas

The Children at the Early Childhood Center (ECC) 

The Easter story is a love story. We join the story in the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus prayed alone. The stain glass motif, painted by each of the children at the ECC, is a nod to the depiction of the Stations of the Cross at West Market Street United Methodist Church, which are crafted into the stain glass windows. The reflective silhouette of Jesus praying illustrates the subject matter that Jesus was considering as He contemplated the task before Him. As the viewer stands before the painting, they become a part of the work itself. Jesus’ compassion for humanity is brought to life in the Easter story; it is only fitting that the motive for His sacrifice also be represented.

— Meredith Kasten, Director of the Early Childhood Center