ODJ: get up and pray
May 2, 2010
Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation (v.46).
READ: Luke 22:39-46
Draw strength from God—because you’ll need it!” That’s how I would paraphrase Luke 22:40 where Jesus told His disciples, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” The call to pray is so urgent that Jesus repeats the plea in verse 46. The reason for this repetition is found in the warning, “so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Prayer strengthens us when we face temptation. Someone said: “Lead me not into temptation—I can find it myself.” We all struggle with our human tendencies and desires. Temptation stirs the blood and inflames the imagination. Only God can keep us from its charms and help us to see temptation for what it is.
The prayerlessness of the disciples is a reminder of our sinful inclination towards a lack of prayer. And in these same verses, we see also the perfect example of a prayer for strength. The Savior met the coming crisis the way He met all others—prayerfully.
Jesus called out to the Father “in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (v.44). The words “agony of spirit” communicate the idea of wrestling. Jesus the Son wrestled with God the Father concerning the “cup” that included His unthinkable separation from the Father. It also meant accepting the full wrath of God for all sins committed by us. Jesus was tempted in His full humanity not to go to the cross.
Yet, the heart of His prayer was clear: “Your will be done.” He submitted to the will of the Father. And we read, “an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him” (v.43). Jesus was then able to turn away from the possibility of taking the way of the crown without the dark passage of the cross. And because of His submission, we can now be redeemed, cleansed, and justified.
—Poh Fang Chia
In what situations are you tempted to color the truth with falsehood? In what area of your life do you need the most help in living out the ninth command? How will you let the Holy Spirit lead you in telling the truth?
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If you’ve observed,its when you need to pray d most,that its difficult to,sometimes we dont even remember&other times we feel to dirty to ask Gods help. It happens to me,but I’m always certain of His love! He wants to always help,He wants to guide…
Re Faith-Lois;Hey Big sis,i think it’s one of d devil’s many schemes 2 cheat us.else how would u xplain d fact dt we ve a God who is neva tired of hearing us, who’s love & compassn 2wards us is immeasurable!&we feel lazy 2 talk 2 him? It just doesn’t make sense!.