Holy Week Reflections: Pray Against Temptation

 PRAY AGAINST THE TEMPTATION OF SELF-RELIANCE

Scripture Reading:

Luke 22:39-42 ~  He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 

Reflection:

Jesus leads the disciples into the garden where he tells them to pray that they won’t enter temptation. He knew they were about to face the most difficult situation of their lives and wanted them to remain alert. He exhorted his disciples to pray because He knew what was coming and the temptation to give in to fear and anxiety. He wanted them to pray so that in their time of their greatest need they would stay strong and not desert the one they vowed to follow. 

And yet, they couldn’t even stay awake to pray. Different passages say their grief overwhelmed them. They were so fixated on their emotions they couldn’t pray. And because of that, the moment the mob showed up to arrest Jesus, they ran away and did what they said they would never do.

We read this and feel a bit indignant at the disciples and yet, I wonder how often we do the same. In our moment of great stress and fear, do we believe that we are on our own and that the Lord isn’t there? Do we spend so much emotional energy worrying about the situation that we don’t pray? Do we look to people for our strength instead of the Lord? Or do we rely on self-sufficiency where we set ourselves in the place of God?

Our greatest weapon against these temptations is prayer. Prayer is the activity that will keep us standing strong in the face of adversity. Prayer is the key to staying in communion with God. Prayer is the one thing that keeps us from the temptation to rely on ourselves. 

Pray and keep watch.

Prayer Activities:

Take a walk in a quiet place, intentionally praying over areas where you feel tempted to rely on yourself. Ask God for strength and guidance at each step.

Write down moments when you have felt overwhelmed by self-reliance. Reflect on how prayer can help redirect your focus to God instead of your own strength.

Spend time in silence, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you may be depending on yourself, and listen for His guidance.