The difference between a magnificent work of art and an illustration lies in the artist’s passion for the subject at hand. Such is the case with the power of Morgan Weistling’s Christian art. “This painting is a portrait of prayer,” says artist Morgan Weistling, “and its title comes from that moment in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:39), hours before his crucifixion. 

“I was inspired to paint this by the number of times the Bible refers to Christ going off alone to pray to his Father, for example in Luke 5:16: ‘But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.’

“I wanted the viewer to imagine how Jesus would look if you were to come upon him in a private moment of prayer. The painting emphasizes his strong carpenter’s hands, clasped in prayer, representing his communion with the Father. As I painted it I also thought about the importance of praying not only in times of need but often, and thoughtfully, just as Christ did.”