Our Desperate Need for Prayer

This is the fourth in a series of six posts leading up to Easter. 

This period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance

as we reflect on what Jesus did for us.

On the last night of his life, Jesus is arrested by a large mob. Have you ever been struck – as I have – by the vastly different way that Jesus and his disciples respond to this horrible and unjust event?

Peter lashes out with a sword, trying – in vain – to physically protect Jesus. Then, in just a few moments, he and all the other disciples run away in fear. Yet Jesus, the one who actually is the focus of the mob’s anger, accepts his fate peacefully and calmly.

What explains these two widely differing reactions? Why isn’t Jesus fearful like the disciples? And don’t say, “Because he’s Jesus.” The real difference is prayer. 

The extended time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to the arrest. 

The time of prayer that Jesus embraces…and the disciples ignore. 

Jesus urges his followers to pray. He repeatedly tells them that they need to pray to resist temptation. They need to receive encouragement and strength and refreshment from the Heavenly Father, so they will not be tempted to yield to fear. 

Yet they ignore Jesus’ invitation and exhortation. Instead of praying, they take a nap. 

And Jesus? While they are sleeping, he is praying. He is pouring out his heart to the Father. He is getting his heart and mind aligned with the will of the Father. His trust is being strengthened. And so – because he prays – Jesus does not yield to base human emotion. Because he prays, he faces a fearful situation without fear.

And so - because the disciples do not pray - they are spiritually unarmed. Because they do not pray, they are ruled by fear. Instead of responding in faith, they give in to temptation, they flee, and they completely abandon Jesus. 

Which of these two reactions is most like us? When we face frightening uncertainty, do we tend to give way to fear? If so, then we won’t think clearly. We won’t have the peace that comes from faith. Instead, we’ll just try to run away. 

Thankfully, Jesus understands. He knows that we – just like his first disciples – can feel frightened and disoriented, and lose sight of him in the midst of our turmoil. So the invitation he gave to his closest friends, on that long ago night, is one that he continually gives to us: 

Pray. 

Pray so you will not fall into temptation. 

We need to hear his invitation now, more than ever, as we face a challenging season in our world. A season of unexpected loss, of isolation, of loneliness. A season when fear is an ever-present temptation. 

The answer, as always, is to pray. To pray so that we will hold onto Jesus…and follow him wherever he leads. Will you join me as we turn to God in prayer? 

Dear Jesus, You know we often act just like the disciples. We feel that things are out of control and we let fear fuel our actions. I ask that you help each person reading this blog to turn to you in prayer, whatever they may be facing. I pray that they will look to you for comfort, for help, and for strength. Give them the assurance and peace they need to not yield to any temptation…particularly the temptation of fear. Help them to know that you care, and will sustain them, even when it looks like circumstances are out of control. In your name, Amen.