Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Praying in Earnest

I'm thinking about Jesus praying in the garden. There he was crying out to his Father for the strength to do what must be done. Although we are not told Satan was present, we can see Jesus being tempted. In Luke 22:39-46, we see the seen.

Jesus warns his disciples to pray "that you will not enter into temptation." It may mean that they are to ask God to keep them from being tempted. Or it may mean that praying will keep them from giving into temptation. They are to be watchful, vigilant.

Jesus sets the example. As he is being tempted to find another way, he yields to the Father. He prays, and the Father strengthens him through an angel. Then he prays more earnestly.

The disciples were to pray, but failed. They slept why Jesus prayed. Jesus rebuked them, and commanded them to pray. They should have been praying for the strength to stand with Jesus, but they didn't.

If we are to escape the power of sin, it will take prayer. In Christ, we have the Spirit's help when we pray. He enables us to do the work set out for us. When we need strength, we only have to ask, and he will give it to us. Temptation will come. We must prepare ourselves by praying for deliverance.

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