Watch & Pray

Watch & Pray
written by Chris Baker

Temptation is no respecter of persons. In fact, Scripture says that Jesus was tempted in every way and yet did not sin. Point being, we are always going to be tempted on this earth. Temptation is part of our Christian life; however, we do not have to give in to temptation. In order for victory over temptation to apply, we need to have a relationship with Jesus and be filled with His Holy Spirit. Therefore, the same Spirit that was within Christ Jesus, which prevented Him from falling into temptation, can help you as well. The problem is, we can also choose to fall into temptation. The Holy Spirit is victorious over temptation; therefore, we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in order to be victorious. One of the ways we cooperate with the Holy Spirit is through prayer. 

Take a moment and read Colossians 4:2-6 by clicking here. We talked about being devoted to prayer in yesterday’s post. I would read this first by clicking here, if you have not done so already. The Apostle Paul says, we should not only be devoted to our prayer life, we should also be watchful in prayer. What do you suppose that means to be watchful? Genesis 4 talks about the first murder in the Bible when Cain murdered his brother Abel. God warned Cain before he committed this act. God saw that Cain was growing angry with his brother and gave Cain a stern warning. Genesis 4:6-7 says, “then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (NIV).  Do you see the warning? Sin is crouching at the door Cain and it desires to have you! Cain should have paid closer attention to his increasing anger, which was an important warning sign that he ignored. It is the same for us, we need to be watchful because sin is crouching at the door. The devil is a thief and a liar. He wishes only to steal, rob and destroy. Therefore, we must be watchful.

Paul says that we should be watchful in prayer. You know what areas tempt you the most so make every effort to be watchful there. If your actions escalate when you are angry then you need to keep a close eye on your anger. What tends to make you angry? Are there certain people, places, or things that contribute to your anger? How is the enemy derailing your prayer life through your anger? I chose anger but you can replace anger with any temptation. Chances are, you know what conditions make you the most susceptible to your temptations, therefore, be watchful! Take heart because these victories can be won in prayer before you ever face them. “Lord, I am going to visit blank today. You know they usually aggravate me, and then I usually say something hurtful. Help me to respond with grace today. Help me to love them and see them as you do.”  Point being, if you know you are going to see the person that day, and already have a tendency to be short with them, then lift the situation up in prayer ahead of time. 

Jesus was praying with His disciples on the night of His betrayal. He instructed them to keep watch with Him.  Matthew 26:41 says, “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (NIV). We may have well intentioned desires, but these fleshly bodies are still part of this fallen world. Fortunately, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome temptation. Prayer is where we win the battle over temptation. If you wait until the hour of temptation, and have not previously gone to battle in prayer, then your chances of success are very low. Rather, be watchful in prayer! God can make you aware of the devils schemes, through prayer, if you ask Him. Hence the saying, “the battle is won on your knees.” 

What areas of your life do you need to be watchful in? What battles will you face today that need to be won now? How will you heed Jesus’ warning to watch and pray? Do not wait until the hour of temptation to go to battle, rather, conquer the battle now through prayer! Stay tuned this week as we continue to discuss the remainder of this verse Colossians 4:2.

Please click here, to learn more about beginning a relationship with Jesus.