“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The season of Lent is often associated with fasting – not necessarily from food, but from something that is sacrificial to give up – Coffee? TV? Wine? We take our model from Jesus, whose ministry started with 40 days of fasting and praying in the desert, followed by temptation from Satan. It is interesting to note that his ministry ended with an admonition to his disciples to pray against temptation, in Matthew 26:41. What is it that links fasting, prayer and temptation? I believe the clue is in the second half of this verse – ‘the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’. It is our ‘fleshly selves’ that get tempted – our natural desires and emotional needs can tempt us into wrong behaviour that the spirit condemns. When we pray, our spirit communicates with God’s spirit – drawing strength, encouragement and instruction from Him. When I am tempted to despair I pray for hope. When I am tempted to give up I pray for perseverance. When I am tempted by unbelief I pray for faith. What about you? What temptation do you need to watch for and pray about? I am confident that God has the answer in prayer, waiting for you. Let us, like Jesus, adopt a lifestyle of prayer, staying watchful and prayerful, and being strengthened and encouraged to a life free of temptation.
Try this:
Consider the day ahead – what temptations might you face today? What do you need from God to resist them? Spend some time asking God to equip you for your day, and for whatever lies ahead, so that your spirit is both willing and strong enough to make Godly choices and resist temptation.
Have a listen to this song as you think about today’s reflection. Praise to the God who delivers us from temptation.
(1) The Lord’s Prayer – Hillsong Worship – YouTube
Do you want to go deeper in prayer? This online Prayer Course, written by Pete Grieg (founder of the 24-7 International Prayer movement) will take you through the Lord’s Prayer in 8 short sessions.
The God Slice 