The disciples seemed content that the Master would pray, often alone and early or even very late. But here Jesus finds them not with him in prayers, but asleep.

He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Matthew 26:40

Aren’t many of us are also sleeping?

Watching and Praying are actions

Ever tried to hold a prayer meeting at your church? How many did you tell, and how many do attend? Ever asked someone to pray for you, and wonder if they really did? Ever tell someone you would pray for them, and did you actually do that?

Prayer - now as then, is not a popular nor a favorite church ministry. Some don’t know how, or care it is a priority, or there is no prayer leader. Some would rather sing, others be deacons, and many are content to observe.

But praying is not for mere spectators, rather we are to be actual participants. Watching a sporting event, or a cooking show is observing and not participating. When we play on the ball field, or get out the pots and pans that we are participating in sport or cooking.

Biblical watching is not merely observing, it’s being alert, watchful, eyes open. It’s like the sheepdog ever alert over the flock for predators creeping in the dark. It’s also being aware of the Master’s return, even if at midnight. This is active watching, looking, as a sentinel on duty.

The praying Savior admonished Peter as though praying was not an optional activity, but a necessity. What, would we miss an opportunity to pray with Jesus? He wants us to actually pray and not merely observe, or be content with letting others do all the praying.

What Happens When We Do Not Pray?

The next verse tells us: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Though we may want to pray without ceasing, without prayer we enter into temptation. What is the temptation? Many things perhaps, but in the passages following we see that Jesus went to pray a second and then a third time, and again both times He found them sleeping.

Instead of watching - which is to be alert and aware, like a sentinel on duty, we do the opposite and fall asleep! We certainly cannot watch and pray while sleeping.

There are at least two reasons we are to do this:

Mark 13:33 - Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. And in Luke 21:36 - Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Prayer As Discipline

The ministry of prayer is like other Christian disciplines (including Bible study, giving, fasting, etc) which require training and practice. When learning any new skill, activity or sport, we must be taught the basics, learn the terminology or movements - and then train with these over and over.

As we devote time and attention to any discipline we get better and better. Ever observe a master craftsman at their chosen work? They make it look so easy, right? But it was many hours honing the basics again and again, mostly when no one else was noticing, that made them that great.

These disciples (followers) of Jesus were being disciplined (trained) in the ministry of Jesus (including prayer). Let us also watch with Jesus and pray.

Photo by Simon Infanger on Unsplash

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