Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Pray! Pray! Pray! Read Mark 14:32-52 “…Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 In connection with praying, the Bible talks about watching, lifting our eyes, lifting our heart and our hands to God, praising, crying out, praying in the heart quietly, prostrating, bowing down with face to ground and praying as we walk. Jesus, our Lord and Master, regularly prayed, and often through the night. He understood the significance and the power of prayer. Prayer, amongst other things, enables us to stand up to temptation. Our Lord prayed fervently as He faced the cross. From the dinner conversation and from Jesus’ actions and words in the Garden of Gethsemane, His inner-circle of disciples were probably wondering what would happen next. However, it was late at night and they were very sleepy. Perhaps they closed their eyes and tried to pray. How many times have we done that with the same consequence! We desire to live pure and holy lives, we want to walk as Jesus did and do great things for Him. However, good intentions are not enough. We need to discipline our bodies and faithfully set aside time so we can seek His face and pray. After His death and resurrection, His apostles learnt the importance of prayer. They prayed regularly two or three times a day. We are encouraged to pray in faith continually. Praying all kinds of prayers on all occasions throughout the day allows us to abide in Him. Often we don’t know how or what to pray; the Holy Spirit does our praying in and for us; He prays through our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will (Romans 8:26-27). What better way to pray than this! Listen to Him. There can be no real kingdom power nor victorious Christian living without much daily prayer. O Lord, help every one of us to commit at least one hour a day in praise, prayer and study of God’s word.