Bible reading: Matthew 26:36-46
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Each time I read this passage, I get one clear message: prioritising and setting time aside for God in prayer is vital in our Christian journey. After all, if Jesus did it, and we are called to be like Him, then we should follow suit (read Mark 1:35 and Mark 6:46 for other examples of Jesus taking time out to pray). Although Peter and the two sons of Zebedee didn’t fully grasp it yet, Jesus knew that the period of trials and tribulations was fast approaching. Therefore the need to watch and pray was crucial to recognise temptation and have the strength to withstand it. However, as Jesus warned, their flesh was weak and they were unable to stay awake. Coincidentally, not long after, Peter could not resist the temptation to deny Jesus three times following his arrest (Matthew 26:69-75). Who knows, maybe if he had kept watch and prayed as Jesus instructed, he would have had the strength to resist the temptation to deny him.
Most of us spend our prayer time just asking God for things we need or want and while that’s fine, this passage also reminds us to pray for the strength to overcome trials and temptations. Because as Christians we are bound to face temptations daily! 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” So to ensure that we do not waver from the path God has set for us we must not neglect our prayer life because the moment we do, we leave ourselves vulnerable to falling into temptation.
Just to further highlight how important a prayerful life is as a Christian, I have listed a couple more examples of Jesus taking time out to pray.
- Mark 1:35 And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.
- Mark 6:46 And after He had taken leave of them, He went off into the hills to pray.
And if there’s anyone who is thinking “Well Tobi that’s great and all but I don’t even know how to pray or where to begin!”. Well, today is your lucky day, because Jesus has the answer! In Luke chapter 11, Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray and Jesus responded with what is now known as the Lord’s prayer (verses 2-4):
”Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.”
