PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 14:37-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mark 14:38)
What does Jesus mean by “watch and pray”?
This is not a special kind of prayer, or a prayer formula.
It simply means, ‘be on your guard, and reach out to God for help!”
Do you feel the urgency for yourself to “watch and pray”?
Jesus was under attack at this point, and He was desperately praying.
His awareness of danger heightened His readiness for Satan’s schemes.
Am I aware of when I am at risk of temptation?
What are the times or situations that I am especially weak or vulnerable?
We are under constant threat from the world, the flesh and the devil.
If we don’t realize this, then we are the most at risk!!!
Typically prayer increases when the intensity of the situation increases.
Our lack of intensity may indicate our lack of awareness and readiness.
As a Jesus follower, I am a target, Satan wants to bring me down!
Today Jesus is urging me to increase my “watch and pray” response!
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes I walk through each day totally unaware of Satan’s mines all around me. And then I hit one… I cannot survive this on my own, help me to actively depend on You!
The flesh is weak – but so is the mind. I find my mind tires easy enough if I’ve been concentrating on something for some time. Jesus points out to his disciples that they are vulnerable – losing sight of Jesus and the hope that we have in him – we can too despair and become vulnerable. Jesus was alone – connecting with the Father – even though his disciples were physically there – but they were asleep – they couldn’t ‘keep watch’ – be there for Jesus – abiding in the present as he connects with the Father. I have to live in the present – so I to need to watch and not be vulnerable. I must stay connected and Jesus gave me a gift of the spirit to help me.
Discernment.
At all times I need His Spirit to guide me how to live this day for Him. Today as in every day, prayerfully I go forward meeting the challenges of the day. Eyes open to see what He sees and prayerfully go forward in His strength. The joy of the Lord God is my strength.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.