“‘Then He said to them, ‘Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.’” Luke 22:46 (NKJV)

It is much easier to sleep than to stay awake and pray. Haven’t we all put our head on the pillow with thoughts to pray and have quickly fallen asleep? Especially in the face of trying circumstances, our minds and bodies tire and prayer seems optional.

Prayer was Jesus’ solace and strength as He faced the great drama of His dreadful suffering. Being in great agony, He prayed all the more earnestly. His heart cried out to His Father in Heaven. He knew the Source of His strength and the power of prayer.

He had asked His followers to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet they fell asleep, exhausted and in sorrow. When Jesus found them sleeping, He called to them: “Rise up and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” It was not a reprimand from their loving Lord, but rather a warning.

Rise up and pray so that you can rise up with strength in the circumstances surrounding you today.

In ordinary days or in difficult and challenging times, prayer is our strength. If we neglect prayer, then the strength we need to rise above the circumstances of the moment will fade when it is most needed.

Father God, it is easy to neglect prayer. Please forgive me for the times I have treated it too casually. Thank You that You draw me into times in Your presence where I can receive strength from You. Help me to take time to listen for Your wisdom, to read Your word and to let Your Spirit speak to my heart and strengthen my mind, body, and spirit. May prayer be my solace, my comfort, and my desire as I draw near to You to be fortified to rise above the challenges of my day. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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