JESUS SPEAKING

And being in agony He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Luke 22: 44 – 46)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Shortly before Jesus was arrested and crucified, He withdrew from His disciples and began to pray. When He returned, He found them sleeping. He instructed them to rise up and pray so that they might avoid falling into temptation and sin. When difficult times arise in our lives, temptation is sure to follow. And yet if we continue in steadfast prayer we can resist any temptation and experience victory.

For those who sail the high seas, any nasty bit of weather can cause death and destruction. In recent years however, a tool known as a “sea anchor” has been used to prevent many disasters. A ‘sea anchor’ is essentially a large parachute that is deployed into the ocean and attached by rope to the vessel’s bow. It creates hydrodynamic drag that prevents the boat from drifting, turning, or being tossed around by large waves. This simple invention has made enduring difficult storms on the ocean much easier.

Like most ships at sea, we too will endure many storms in this life. There may be moments of difficulty in which the temptation to sin seems overwhelming. And yet just like deploying a “sea anchor,” we must enter into prayer with our Lord. In so doing, He will steady us and give us the strength to withstand the wind and the waves. Prayer is a tool designed to overcome temptation. May we turn to prayer during life’s most difficult moments.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we encounter and endure the trials of this life, may we engage in prayer and be strengthened. May Your Spirit steady our souls and strengthen our hearts and minds, that we may resist the temptations of sin and remain obedient to Your will. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!