Watch and Pray

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

These were Jesus’ words to his disciples, having found them sleeping in the hour of need. He was concerned for the fortitude of their souls. He told them to pray, and so he has given us the warning: “…pray, that you may not enter into temptation.”

Pray, o man of God, that your soul would not be snared.
Pray, that your salvation’s holy covenant you keep.
Turn, and do not thirst for wicked pleasures of the world.
For they will only snuff you while you sleep.  

But the disciples were tired, and again they fell asleep. Jesus’ second warning was not to pray, but to arise, for “the betrayer is at hand.” The men who had slept on their prayer watch were now found running for their lives, forsaking the master they had once stood by. O brother, if you do not pray now, while you have opportunity, you too may be found running for your life. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)