Watch and Pray

”Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41

This week I’m reflecting on Jesus as he faced the cross praying in the garden of Gethsemane. The disciples were invited to “keep watch and pray” and not give in to temptation. The passage says, “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Jesus invited the disciples to pray with him 3 times and they couldn't even stay awake.  

It seemed that in Jesus' hour of need he was alone, in anguish, and distress. He said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (26:38) Picture this hour of grief. Jesus bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” (26:39)
 
As he invited Peter, James, and John to watch and pray, he is asking the same for us. This time of prayer was preparation to walk through darkness, pain, and death. The Father was with Jesus and he carried him through it all to resurrected life! For the 3 times that Jesus invited the disciples to pray I’m reminded that Jesus was resurrected after 3 days.
 
What are you facing today? In what ways can you relate with this anguish and distress? Is it possible that Jesus is right there with you at this time? He knows the pain that you are feeling and wants to take your hand and walk with you through it.  

There will be resurrection on the other side of what you are going through. Because of the anguish Jesus experienced, he can relate to our suffering. His strength came from his relationship with the Father, who is also the source of our strength.
 
I invite you to look to the Father in prayer as Jesus did. Depend on him. Ask him to be with you. He will be right there with you in your tears, and distress. He will bring new life to you through it all.
 
Jesus, I invite you to be with me in my time of anguish and distress. As I watch and pray, help me die to my own plans and say “your will be done.” Give me eyes to see the hope and joy in the resurrection to come. I love you O Lord, my strength! Amen.