Peter’s Fall Step 3: Peter doesn’t pray! (3/14)

Descipleship

41Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

– Matthew 26:41
(NASB® © 2020)
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In this article, we will learn something about the necessity of prayer and its impact on our lives.

„Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

After the Lord Jesus found his disciples sleeping, he said to Peter “watch and pray”! Here, the Lord extends his instruction, so to speak. In addition to being vigilant, they should also pray. The Lord knew that the devil was looking for an opportunity to tempt the disciples (Lk 22:31). The task of praying is both a reminder and an admonition for Peter.

Prayer is the special expression of communion and dependence. The devil laughs when we live and work in independence, but he trembles when we pray! Using the “weapon of prayer” is therefore the only way not to be tempted if the devil wants to harm us. In prayer, we can even be prepared for dangers before they occur.

Unfortunately, Peter did not pray, which is why his further path is not marked by spiritual strength. When we look to the Lord Jesus, we see the power He received from fellowship with His Father in prayer. How clear is the difference between Peter and the Lord when we look at the following verses. We see how calmly the Lord accepts the situation of His capture, knowing that it was the will of His Father.

This is in complete contrast to Peter, who acts in the flesh and even cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. The Lord Jesus, as the perfect man, lived in this perfect dependence. If He did, how much more do we need the dependence and strength that comes out of that fellowship!? A brother once put it this way: Much prayer – much strength; little prayer – little strength; no prayer – no strength!

And when we look at our lives, what is our prayer life like? Is prayer something that characterizes us every day? Praying shouldn’t be a “duty” that a good Christian does now and then. It is much more a joyful attitude out of our surrender to the Lord – something that is characteristic of our life.

How blessed when we have a deep desire for fellowship with the Lord. Then we will live an “overcomer life” in dependence on Him and in His power. Let’s not forget Peter as a warning and look to the Lord Jesus and learn from him! A disciple who prays stops sinning, but a disciple who stops praying sins!

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