When [Jesus] came back, he again found them sleeping. . . . They did not know what to say to him.

— Mark 14:40

You have had a full meal, and it has been a long day. In fact, the past several days have been really challenging—emotionally and physically. You are worn out and tired. Even in the cool night air, you can barely stay awake. You know you need to pay attention because Jesus has asked you to keep watch, but your eyelids are getting heavier by the moment. Soon your head bobs, and you are fast asleep.

You didn’t plan it that way. Jesus nudges you awake and asks, “Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour?” Startled, you hear him say, “Watch and pray. . . .” You nod in agreement, feeling horrible that you haven’t managed to stay awake. He steps away, and the heaviness settles in again. Your eyelids close. Later he wakes you again, and you don’t know what to say.

Then a third time you are awakened—and now there is a crowd coming. Sleep vanishes. You look at the one who asked you to pray, and he is in the hands of his enemies!

Though our lives today are much different from the disciples’, the need for staying alert and praying is not. Our world is in need of our attention, and the Lord is calling us to stand watch. It is encouraging to know that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us (Romans 8:34), but today he still needs us to do the same for his world and for all God’s children in it.

Lord, help us to be alert, watching and praying for your sake. Guide us to live faithfully, that all your children may come to know you. Amen.