Stay Awake and Pray – Matthew 26:41
Peter had just assured Jesus of his loyalty, even to death. Jesus had in turn warned Peter of the denial to come.
Would things have been different if Peter had kept awake and prayed? Jesus, in his own time of need and forthcoming trial was still thinking of his disciples too. he knew that the flesh was weak, even when there is a willing spirit. We need the discipline of sowing to the spirit by devoting time to prayer.
Prayer draws us closer in dependence to God, and thus helps us in times of testing to lean on him and not to trust to our own strength.
Peter could not help himself when confronted with his allegiance to Jesus. Would the time of prayer have allowed God to help Peter when he could not help himself? I think so.
Leave no unguarded place,
No weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace
And fortify the whole.
From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle and fight and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
An win the well fought day.
That having all things done,
And all your conflicts past,
Ye may o’ercome, through Christ alone,
And stand complete at last.