Keep Watching and Praying

Jesus' Fulfillment of Scripture
Jesus' Use of Scripture
Jesus Resists Temptation

Matthew 26:36-41

The Message

^36-38 Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”
³⁹ Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”
^40-41 When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”

 
For Reflection

We all, at one time or another, wish that our suffering would end. Perhaps, in those times more than any others, we need the comforting companionship of friends,  Sometimes, like Peter, we are unaware of the need others have for a friend who will just be there.  And also like Peter we fail at that task.  Showing up in this case is not just half the battle it is the whole war.

 

Pray

that you will be aware of those in your path who need someone close.  Pray that you will show up.  Pray for those who need the healing comfort of God's presence and the presence of supportive friends.  Pray for the courage of friends who stand with you and all who are suffering.