Thursday, November 30 Sit down here while I go over there and pray.​—Matt. 26:36.

[Áine]

Thursday, November 30

Sit down here while I go over there and pray.—Matt. 26:36.

 

On the final night of his life on earth, as his ministry came to an end, Jesus sought out a quiet setting where he could meditate and pray. He found that setting in the garden of Gethsemane. On that occasion, Jesus gave his disciples some timely counsel about prayer. When they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane, it was very late, perhaps past midnight. Jesus asked the apostles to “keep on the watch,” and he went off to pray. (Matt. 26:37-39) But while he was praying, they fell asleep. When he found them sleeping, Jesus again urged them to “keep on the watch and pray continually.” (Matt. 26:40, 41) He realized that they had been under much stress and that they were tired. Jesus compassionately acknowledged that “the flesh is weak.” Still, two more times Jesus went off to pray, and when he returned he found his disciples sleeping rather than praying.—Matt. 26:42-45. w22.01 28 ¶10-11

[DancesWithWife]

Their apostles' hearts were in the right place. It didn't say that they had not been praying, just that he found them sleeping. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have fallen asleep while praying! Based on events it was no doubt past midnight as the comments brought out it would be difficult to keep alert or awake. Jesus teaches a beautiful object lesson here. 

 

The apostles had a hard time just staying awake so they could pray. Soon they would scatter, and Peter would deny Jesus 3 times. If the Great Teacher could be kind by saying the "flesh is weak" when talking about prayer and sleeping, we need to be cognizant of those with imperfections that may hurt us or let us down. A beautiful account that reminds us of the value of prayer.