Friday December 10, 2021

Today is Friday, December 10 and during this second week of Advent we explore what the Bible says about watchfulness.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus my mind on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for loving me and watching over me. I trust that you know what is best for me. Reveal the message you have for me today through the power of your Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s loving strength and watch for his coming with the words of Psalm 59.

You are my strength, I watch for you; you God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:9,16-17

Pause and Pray

During the second week of Advent, we have been exploring the biblical theme of watchfulness. The Bible says God watches over his people with providence and protection. The Bible also says that God’s people must be watchful. Christians are to watch for the second coming (or Advent) of Jesus and for his kingdom to be fully realized on earth. Believers are to watch over the church and be on guard against hypocrisy, false teaching and divisions. Jesus’ followers are to watch over themselves and their manner of life. Believers must be on the alert, watch prayerfully in order to not fall into temptation, and not neglect to fulfill God’s call to live a loving fruitful life. On the night before he gave himself up on the cross, Jesus warns his followers to watch and pray not to fall into temptation.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:36-41

It was a special honor for Jesus to include these three disciples in this intimate scene in Gethsemane the night before his arrest, trial, sentence of death and crucifixion. Jesus gave Peter, James and John clear instructions. He asked them to sit, stay and keep watch with him. It was a simple request on such an important night. Jesus walked a little farther and prayed passionately. When he returned, he found his followers asleep. I ponder the times Jesus has given me clear instructions, wise counsel, or cautioned me about my behavior, and I ignored him and fell asleep like the disciples. The words of Jesus challenge me to accept the responsibility to watch against temptations which threaten my life in Christ.

Ask: How have I failed to keep watch and pray that I will not fall into temptation? When has my spirit been willing, but my flesh has proven weak?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a special place in your heart and loving me even when I am most lovable. Forgive me when I have been like your first disciples and failed to stay alert and keep watch over the temptation and sin in my life. I regret the times I have been too distracted to recognize your guidance and times when I heard you but ignored your instructions. Please grant me your grace to watch and pray over temptation and sin. I read the passage from Matthew again, listening for the message you have for me today.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:36-41

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I rest in God’s presence and ponder what these words are speaking to my life right now, or perhaps what message God might have for my future. I carefully consider the words that stand out to me. I especially reflect on the words Jesus speaks to his disciples. I imagine being on the hillside of Gethsemane, surrounded by olive trees, in the quiet of the night, praying. I recall the times I tried to pray and my mind wandered, I lost my train of thought, and succumbed to sleepiness. I remember times in my life when temptation was evident and I turned to Jesus keeping vigil in prayer. I also recall those instances when I failed to guard against temptation, and complacently followed down a dangerous path that potentially led to harming myself or others. I hear Jesus’ words to me, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, teach me to pray. Awaken my soul and encourage me to stay alert and be on guard against all kinds of temptations. Teach me to persevere in the spiritual life, relying on your grace to progress on the way of holiness and grow in spiritual maturity. I am helpless without your loving instruction and guidance. Let me live a life of joyful obedience, trusting in you every step of the way. Amen.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith. 1 Peter 5:6-9a (NRSV)

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go with a renewed and strengthened awareness to resist evil and do the most good I can do in the world. Amen.