Our need for prayer

I couldn’t help but see the connections in Jesus’ words in chapter 21 and what happened in chapter 22.

Jesus told his disciples,

Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap.

For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.

But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34-36)

Jesus himself kept his own words. In the midst of much anguish and distress, he prayed to his Father, and his Father strengthened him for the trials he would face. (Luke 22:41-43)

The disciples, on the other hand, slept. Why? Just because they were tired? No, they were “exhausted from grief.” (Luke 22:45)

They were mentally and emotionally drained from all Jesus had told them. And so they slept.

It was a totally understandable response. I can’t help but wonder if I wouldn’t have done the same. But when trials came, they fled (Matthew 26:56). 

Peter followed Jesus, but ended up denying him. Instead of being able to stand before Jesus, he too left in shame. (Luke 22:54-60)

We are all weak. And it’s understandable that many of us are tired and emotionally drained because of how long Corona has been dragging on. 

But it’s especially in these times that we need to be in prayer. Because without the Father’s help, we will not be able to stand.  

But if we come to him, he will strengthen us. 

And if we have fallen, don’t lose heart. Just as Jesus showed Peter and the disciples grace, he shows us grace and he restores us. 

So as the writer of Hebrews said, 

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)