Mark 14:38

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Pray and watch? No, watch and pray. Why? Because when I see what's around and about me for what it really is, the temptations, the deceptions, the lies, the alluring calling to things other than Jesus and His Kingdom it should startle me into prayer. Now I may pray that I might see those things more clearly, and I shall, but I need to be wakeful, alert and keen of eye and ear. Physical exhaustion is one thing (which the disciples no doubt experienced and knew in the Garden of Gethsemane), but when you're frightened your "fight or flight" tendencies kick in. My senses have become dulled and sensitized to too much around me. That's why Jesus calls me to watch, and that's my prayer this morning.

'Lord, this morning I woke up physically tired. It's been a long week and I'm not feeling too good either. My mind is consumed by so many things; work projects and deadlines, ill children, finances, church needs, my newly married son and his wife, and even selfish desires. Many of these are just the normal course of life, and I understand that. However, they leave little room for You and, therefore, little opportunity to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. (cf. Romans 12:1-2) So it's no wonder that the cares of this world and all it offers are a distraction from You for they have overtaken me. In the midst of my busyness, which isn't going to change I suspect, I ask that You'd allow me to rest in Your light load and easy yoke (cf. Matthew 11:30), and also sharpen my awareness of things that draw me away from You. As opposed to being an enticement, may they rather serve as a bellwether to push my spirit toward Your Spirit and bring me to my knees (figuratively, if not literally) in prayer to You. I know You desire to be near me and to commune with me, more than I give You credit for. Help me God, for I am indeed weak, frail and unstable. I want to pray always (cf. I Thessalonians 5:17), and even more fervently when I think I don't need to. Thank you, God, for hearing my prayer. I love You. Amen.'