Stay Alert and Pray
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Matthew 26:41 and 45
“All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
“Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of especially wicked sinners [whose way it is to act in opposition to God].”
Jesus told the disciples to stay awake.
He knew the enemy was coming.
And He knew what it was going to take for them to overcome the temptations ahead.
So, He told them to be attentive, cautious, and watchful.
And He told them to pray against temptation.
The disciples needed to be prayed up because Jesus knew the people coming for Him were in opposition to God.
And although these people served God’s ultimate purpose, their nature was against Him.
As I read these passages today, I saw the need to be prayed up as well.
I don’t know when the enemy is coming to try and derail me, but I do know he will try.
The enemy will always try to make us stumble.
But we can overcome the attack because we have the Power of God within us.
We simply have to draw upon it.
This takes diligence.
We can heed Jesus’ words to “keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray.”
It’s up to us to draw upon the power that Jesus’ blood provides us.
Today I pray the Lord will strengthen me and not let me fall into temptation.
May you find the Lord is ready to assist you as you pray for His strength in standing against temptation.
Daily Prayer:
O Lord, my God, thank You for reminding me to pray against temptation as Jesus told His disciples. Lord, please help me be alert and cautious in everything I do. Strengthen me and keep me from temptation. Do not let me put my guard down, Father. Lead and guide me in all the things I do. Increase my ability to identify the enemy’s tricks. Impart Your wisdom into my soul so I can avert every enemy dart and arrow. May You shield and protect me, Lord. Lead me through this day with strength, ease, and grace. Help me serve Your people today. Fill my spirit with Yours so I can give You away to those who need You. Help me love as You love. Help me see with Your eyes. May I bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing my prayer.
Answer: I AM the Great I AM, and I reside within you, My child. My power is in you to strengthen you against all the powers of the enemy.
Response: Help me stay diligent, active, alert, and watchful to stay out of any and all temptation, Lord.