“Then he came to his disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, ‘So, couldn’t you stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will must be done.’ He came again and found them sleeping; they could not keep their eyes open. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same thing once more. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is approaching, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.’” —Matthew 26:40–45
Have you ever been depressed over circumstances differing greatly from what was hoped or perhaps even prayed for? If so, you are in good company. These disciples, exhausted from sorrow, were experiencing such despair. Much more than just followers of Jesus, these guys were Jesus’ most trusted friends. But they were tired!
Oftentimes, we too are so discouraged over a situation that we choose to retreat in sleep, under the comfort of the comforter, when in reality our comfort must come from the Comforter! Jesus cries out to us: “Why are you sleeping?”
“He speaks as one amazed to see them so stupid. How small a thing it was that he expected from them–only to keep watch with him. If he had bid them do some great thing, or die with him, they thought they could have done it; and yet they could not do it, when he desired them to keep watch with him … Yet, He considered their frame, and did not chide them, for he remembered that they were but flesh.” —Matthew Henry
Friend, this is our hour! Jesus encourages us to watch and pray, emphasizing the weakness of the flesh even though our spirits are so well-intentioned!
Paul warns:
“So it the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall!” —1 Corinthians 10:12
He adds in the book of Ephesians:
“With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.” —Ephesians 6:18
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to always be praying and alert, not only when the enemy attacks but on all occasions.
Become More
Let all of our trials lead us to earnest prayer. May we pray from the heart! As we call upon the Lord, He will hear us and He will help us.
“When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul.” —Jeremiah 29:12–13
Further Reflection
“Labor to get a deep sense of the majesty of God, and of his mercy, upon thy mind, that thy prayers may be fervent and earnest; and God will bless thee.” —K.H. von Bogatzky