Pray When You are Tempted

September 17 – Pray When You Are Tempted

Scripture

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is week.” (KJV)

Encouragement

Sometimes we recognize temptation only after we have already given in to it.

A wrong thought becomes an attitude. Irritation becomes an angry response. A desire becomes a decision. Before we realize what has happened, we are asking ourselves, “Why did I do that again?”

Jesus gave His disciples an important instruction: “Watch and pray.”

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus knew His disciples were about to face a difficult test. He told them to stay awake and pray so they would not enter into temptation. Their intentions may have been good, but Jesus knew their human weakness.

“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The same is true for us.

Wanting to do what is right is not enough. We need God’s help.

That is why prayer should come before temptation, not only after we have fallen.

We can ask God to help us recognize the places where we are vulnerable. We can pray before entering a difficult conversation. We can ask for self-control when emotions are rising. We can turn to Him immediately when a thought or desire begins pulling us away from what we know is right.

And when temptation comes, we do not have to fight it in our own strength. We can pray right then:

“Lord, help me choose what honors You.”

Prayer is not our last defense against temptation. It should be one of our first responses.

Watch.

Pray.

And depend on God for the strength to obey.

Prayer

Dear almighty Father,

You know the areas where I am weak and the temptations I face. Help me to be watchful and recognize temptation before I give in to it. Teach me to turn to You immediately instead of depending on my own strength. Give me wisdom to avoid what draws me toward sin and strength to choose what honors You. When my flesh is weak, remind me that I need Your help. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Thought for Today

When temptation comes, I will turn to God before I give in.