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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 356

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Text: Ephesians 6:18

WATCH AND PRAY

It was the Lord Jesus Himself who urged His disciples to pray with these words.

Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping,
and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
MATTHEW 26:40-41

UNDERSTANDING THE IDEA BEHIND THE WORD “WATCH”

How should we understand the word “watch” (“agrupneo”)?

1. The essence of this word

The essence of this word contains the following elements:

a) Alertness or watchfulness
b) Sleeplessness

2. The context of this word applied

Jesus asked His disciples to literally stay awake with Him as He prays. But they could not stay alert, but found themselves overcome by sheer physical tiredness and they fell asleep. The idea of “watchfulness” becomes that much more alive in this context.

“BEING WATCHFUL TO THIS END”

Paul employed this same idea of being “watchful” in the context of prayer and supplication. Let us ponder the following thoughts.

1. The literal application

Prayer and supplication must be combined with being watchful, that is, giving up sleep for the sake of seeking God in prayer and supplication. There may be times when sleep must be given up for the sake of prayer.

2. The figurative application

The figurative idea of “watching” is also very strong.

a) Alert to many deep needs

There are superficial needs. But there are also deep needs. It is only when we are alert “watchful” that we discern how we should pray and supplicate.

b) Constant change

One must be alert to the fact that people, problems, and other factors are constantly changing and it is only when we are fully alert in prayer that we will be able to pray meaningfully.