Mark 14:38 (ESV)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.
I wonder why Jesus says this to Simon Peter. Now in view of the cross, knowing what is about to happen, it seems to me that Jesus would want Simon Peter to watch and pray for all that was coming. What do you think?
So, why does Jesus say “pray that you may not enter into temptation?”
How do you think this applies to us? Should we pray to avoid temptation?
How does prayer help us resist when those temptations come?
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
So, Jesus gives the instruction to watch and pray… How did that work out for Peter, James, and John?
What are signs that we might be spiritually “asleep?”
What could it mean for us to wake up spiritually?
Romans 13:11–14 (NLT)
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Jesus also said “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” What does this mean for us? How is your spirit willing, but your flesh weak?
How can watchfulness and prayer strengthen you in those moments?
Galatians 5:16–18 (NLT)
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
I think “watching” means staying alert to God’s will. In the garden, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” How can being watchful help us notice when we are pushing for our will instead of God’s?
What practices help you stay aligned with His will?
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Watching also means being ready for sudden trials. Have you experienced being “caught off guard” spiritually in the past?
what habits can help you be more prepared for the unexpected?
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Jesus was asking his disciples to keep watch with him… How can we practice spiritual watchfulness together? What does it look like to watch and pray for one another?
Galatians 6:2–3 (NLT)
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
How does gratitude help us stay alert to God’s presence and work in our lives?
What is one specific step you can take this week to stay spiritually awake and prayerful- whether that’s setting aside prayer time, watching for God’s work in your day, or asking someone to pray with you?
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.