Why You Must Watch and Pray

Daily Devotional: Monday, November 26, 2024
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke His disciples these words in Gethsemane, asking them to stay vigilant and in prayer while He endured the pain of the crucifixion. They were physically there, but they were so exhausted that they dozed off. This instance is a powerful reminder of the conflict between our human weakness and our spiritual aspirations.

Stay Woke

The exhortation to “watch and pray” is an active command rather than a passive recommendation. To keep an eye out for temptations and problems means to be spiritually vigilant. By praying, we acknowledge that God, not ourselves, is the source of our strength and direction in overcoming temptation.

Prayer gives us the fortitude to endure hardships and remain steadfast. Prayer serves as a reminder of God’s strength when our body is weak. It enables us to get past the obstacles that stand in our way and brings our emotions into harmony with His will.

Why You Must Watch and Pray

Spend some time every day evaluating your potential temptation-prone regions. Ask God to give you the discernment needed to see these difficulties. Furthermore, make prayer a daily routine and not only an activity you engage in when in trouble. Also, make a commitment to regularly commune with God and rely on God’s promises.

This week, schedule a dedicated period of time each day for prayer and asking God to strengthen you in your weakest areas. Consider how prayer alters your viewpoint and gives you the strength to resist temptation. Watch and pray.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, please teach me to watch and pray while remaining aware of the difficulties I face.