Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20-22; John 16:1-15
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”- Matthew 26:44 (KJV)
When Jesus Christ and His disciples went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked His disciples to wait and pray for an hour, but they fell asleep. “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40. Jesus Christ knew their spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. From His words in our text, Jesus made us to understand that prayer is very important for us, and shows us the way to handle the problem of weakness of the flesh.
Most times we often feel weakness of the flesh when we are busy with day to day task or work, tired from place of work or business, spending time watching our favorite TV shows and may not have time to pray or read the Bible. Even though we know that what we are doing will put us further and further from God, we are unable to help ourselves from giving in to the pleasures of the flesh … In such moments, if we are watchful in prayers and rely on God, He will guide us to overcome the weakness of the flesh.
After praying, the Holy Spirit will enlighten and illuminate us, He will lead and give us the faith and courage to put the truth into practice. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”– John 16:13 (KJV)
The purpose of prayer is to help us come into the presence of God and receive the things God has planned and prepared for His children. With consistent prayers and coming into God’s presence, we have a continual relationship with God, which continually transform our lives to do His will and pleasures effortlessly.
God’s Word help us be continually watchful and pray according to the will of God. We can’t be on our knees all day in prayers, as we may have other day-to-day engagements, but we need to be watchful in our relationship with God, so that we can always go to Him for help in time of need, to find His will and the strength to follow through His commandments and to overcome the viles of the devil. The weapons that Jesus used to overcome were prayer and God’s Word. There is no weapon that Satan has that can defeat the weapons God provides us with.
Prayer is our spiritual need. We can only gain strength to satisfy God’s demands by praying to Him. God’s word will give us confidence and keep us from evil in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel