The Calm Before the Storm

[Readings for today:  Luke 21-22] 

I'm centering on Luke 22:39-46, which is more fully revealed in Matthew 36-45.  This is the Garden scene at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus often went to pray.

This was the "calm before the storm!"  Following the supper meal with His disciples, He and His disciples headed for the garden to have a time of prayer together.  (Notice that He did not go to the Temple--He communed outside...in a garden...out in nature.) 

He knew what was coming...Judas would soon betray Him and he'd bring a legion of 6,000 soldiers along to arrest Him.  So Jesus' prayer was more intense this time.  He'd asked His disciples to wait a "stone's throw away" and He instructed them to "watch and pray," so they would not "fall into temptation."  However, they fell asleep!  Three times He prayed....each time He went back to His friends for support, but each time He found them asleep.

Satan seems to put a "sleeper hold" on many of us when we try to pray!  Either that, or our weary and weak flesh causes us to fall asleep when we need to pray.  Our spirits are willing, but our flesh wimps out and we lose the battle!   The emeny lulls us to sleep--satan tempts us to comfort our flesh rather than battle the enemy, for the battle always begins in our minds.  Could this be why so many of our prayers aren't answered?   Are we lacking power in our lives?  Are we feeling drained and defeated?   How strong is your prayer life?  How consistent is your prayer life?  Think about it!

Jesus always prayed before He made any decisions...before He took any action.  He always sought His Father 1st for counsel and direction...for strength and courage.

Remember to pray!  Remember--PRAYER PRECEDES POWER!!!