Day 4 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

DAY 4 

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Scripture Insights
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus established the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting, which helped him to resist temptation. Prayer was the means through which Jesus was in constant communion with the Father.
On several occasions, Jesus invited his disciples to accompany him to pray, and in doing so, he taught his disciples what was essential for prayer. Jesus exhorted them, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (26:41).
Prayer might be seen as an easy spiritual devotion, but in reality, that isn’t the case. When we pray for our own spiritual journey and intercede for our brothers and sisters and for the mission of the church, we learn that prayer is a hard task. Jesus made clear to his disciples that prayer requires discipline: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (v. 41). With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can develop a spiritual life of prayer and fasting, as Jesus modeled for us.

Today’s Prayer
“When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation’” (Luke 11:1-4).

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Roberto Hodgson, Director, Multicultural Ministries