“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

It should be the goal of every Christian to live a life that is rooted and grounded in prayer; maintaining a devotion to pray not only for ourselves, but for others, being careful to remain watchful to avoid falling into a spiritual slumber- to be out right weak, weary, and worn-out… but instead ever alert to the Holy Spirit’s leading to pray at every opportunity. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Colossians 4:2.

In the scripture as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the disciples were left not far off to tarry and watch. “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” Matthew 26:38. But he came and found them asleep . . . “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41

As He prayed to the Father; His faithful followers were fast asleep. They could not keep their eyes open for one hour and watch as their Lord and Master prayed. He knew the bitter cup of death that He must drink, and the temptation the disciples would face during the coming days. They were missing an opportunity to pray for God’s mercy and strength.

Jesus lovingly rebukes them knowing that their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak. The Apostle Paul stated these words in Romans 7:25 “With my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin.”  We can rest in the comfort, that our Heavenly Father graciously considers this, and accepts the willingness of the spirit. He sympathizes  and forgives the weakness of our flesh!  ^“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Yes, it happens, we too can easily fall into the same type of spiritual slumber when we should be praying for others and ourselves- the acronym HALT is worth remembering- don’t allow yourself to get to Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired- those are the crucial moments when the enemy of our soul slyly convinces us that we can pray later!

May we diligently commit ourselves to prayer. The scripture reminds us in Luke 18:1 “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” God is the comforter, keeper, and lover of our souls and He alone is able to give us the strength, and discernment that we need to stay steadfast before His throne of grace.

Due to human weakness the disciples fell to sleep during that crucial hour of prayer…but praise be to God my friends…Jesus, our Lord, Savior, and High Priest never slumber nor sleep and He intercedes for us in glory! “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.

God blessings of peace, joy, and amazing grace to all.