“Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:37 NLT).

INVITED TO PRAY WITH JESUS

Jesus invited Simon Peter, James, and John to keep watch and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was the night of His betrayal, the day before His trial and crucifixion. He wanted them as prayer partners. They were willing, but their flesh was weak. It had been a long day and they kept dozing off.
 
Sometimes it’s best to pray while standing or walking, so the body not only stays awake, but stays engaged and focused. And sometimes it’s good to pray with prayer partners. For their prayers have the potential to encourage and energize your own prayers.
 
Has Jesus invited us to pray with Him? Listen to the words of Jesus in the gospel of John, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). The key to following is abiding and the key to abiding is asking. Asking is the currency of the Kingdom.
 
Jesus not only invites us to pray with Him, but to pray in His name: “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you” (John 16:23).
 
PRAYER: Lord, we are amazed at the invitation to pray with You. Who are we that You would have us as prayer partners? Who are we that You would stir our hearts to pray not only for our family and friends, but also for the nations? May we so abide in You and You in us that our prayers are in alignment with Yours. We want to pray in the Spirit. Our flesh is weak, but we want to grow in prayer. Thank You Lord for calling us to this high and holy endeavor of prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.