Why Stay Awake and Pray?
There are many reasons to pray. However, I am afraid we forget some of the most important reasons. Many people only think of prayer as asking God for things for themselves or others. Yes, that is a reason to pray, but it is a minor reason, in my opinion. Prayer is praising God for who He is. Prayer is thanking God for all He does for us. Prayer is how we confess our sins, so He can restore us and cleanse us. Prayer is presenting our needs to God, so He can meet them in His way. It also interceding for the needs of others. I believe there is one more reason to pray that we usually forget. Jesus reminded Peter of this reason in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mark 14:37,38) The reason He gave Peter not only applied to him, but it applies to every believer.
Peter was told that he would deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed. Peter did not believe that and pledged that he would be faithful to Jesus unto death. However, once Jesus was arrested, Peter did give into the temptation to deny Jesus, because he feared for his life. That is why Jesus told him in the garden to stay awake and pray. The reason was not because Jesus needed his prayers. It was so that he would not enter into temptation. Jesus warned Peter and us that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. That is why we must force ourselves to stay awake and pray daily. Without sincere, faithful prayer, we will fall into temptation and sin. In fact, Jesus asked them to pray for one hour. I wonder how many of us have prayed for an hour today? Some would say it is impossible for them to do that. They can't stay awake, and they do not know what to pray. However, let me ask another question. Are you having trouble with temptation? If so, you must be determined to stay awake and pray, so you will not give into temptation and fail your Lord. I would love to help any of us know how to do this. Simply message me and I will send you some notes that will make it possible for you to heed Jesus in this area.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read Mark 15-16 and Luke 1-2.
Peter was told that he would deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed. Peter did not believe that and pledged that he would be faithful to Jesus unto death. However, once Jesus was arrested, Peter did give into the temptation to deny Jesus, because he feared for his life. That is why Jesus told him in the garden to stay awake and pray. The reason was not because Jesus needed his prayers. It was so that he would not enter into temptation. Jesus warned Peter and us that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. That is why we must force ourselves to stay awake and pray daily. Without sincere, faithful prayer, we will fall into temptation and sin. In fact, Jesus asked them to pray for one hour. I wonder how many of us have prayed for an hour today? Some would say it is impossible for them to do that. They can't stay awake, and they do not know what to pray. However, let me ask another question. Are you having trouble with temptation? If so, you must be determined to stay awake and pray, so you will not give into temptation and fail your Lord. I would love to help any of us know how to do this. Simply message me and I will send you some notes that will make it possible for you to heed Jesus in this area.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read Mark 15-16 and Luke 1-2.