Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
December 5th 2022

Watch and Pray

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

Bible Reading: Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36

Yesterday, we examined Jesus Christ’s experience of temptation and how he handled it. Another important strategy for overcoming temptation is to watch and pray. An illustration is the watch tower, a highly raised platform in ancient times where watchmen stay to watch over the city. The city relay on watchmen to know if there is any intruder approaches. Being watchful involves paying total attention to something; being observant and alert in order to pick up signals, and signs for deeper understanding. Jesus intentionally arranged these two action-oriented words “watch” and “pray” chronologically because He understood the importance of being watchful and the complementary role it plays with our prayers in our Christian journey. Many Christians pray so much but are not observant or watchful; even when God is speaking, they are not attentive. Many have fallen into temptation due to their inability to watch and pray. When we are watchful, alert and awake, we are able to know what to pray, when to pray, and how to pray with the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). Sensitivity is important to avoid stumbling blocks that may come our way. We are watchful as we become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and obey Him. Also, to be watchful means aligning our lives with the word of God. Dear friend, it is important that we follow God’s injunction: Watch and Pray! Prayer is not complete without watching. Abide in Jesus as a watchman on the watch tower.

Self-Reflection: It is wisdom to be watchful!

Action Point: How watchful, attentive and sensitive are you to your life and the situation around you?

Daily Confession: I pray for the quickening of my spirit by the Holy Spirit so that I can be more sensitive to Your leading in Jesus’ name.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for safety and God’s protection as the year comes to an end.

Hymn: Christian, seek not yet repose,

Hear thy gracious Savior say;

Thou art in the midst of foes:

Watch and pray.