Luke 22:39-46

“Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). One of Jesus’ frequent themes in instructing his disciples was their need to pray intentionally and consistently. Particularly in the face of any temptation to be unfaithful in thought or deed, prayer is the chief antidote. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” -  the fifth of six petitions in the Lord’s Prayer  -  establishes the importance Jesus placed on prayer in thwarting temptation to evil whenever it arises in our lives.

Jesus himself earnestly prayed in his own hour of temptation (vss 41-44). He withdrew by himself, he knelt down, and he prayed. Immediately he was strengthened. But his agony of soul continued, even intensified, so “he prayed more earnestly.” Jesus exemplified the power of prayer and exhorted his disciples to similarly pray. Whether we are alone and can pray on our knees (vs 41) or we find ourselves in the chaotic fray of life (rise and pray, vss 46-47), he counseled his disciples (then and now) to engage in prayer intentionally and consistently if we want to avoid succumbing to attitudes or behaviors which dishonor God, others and ourselves.

Lord, grant me grace to abide in you and talk to you about the specific temptations that are prone to overtake me this day. You are the vine, I am a branch. Whoever abides in you will bear much fruit. For apart from you I can do nothing. May I not be too busy to “withdraw, kneel, and pray.” And may I not be too distracted by life to “rise and pray.” Make me wise enough this day to see that abiding in you through prayer wraps me in the strength of the Lord. You are my living head. Your death, your resurrection, and your present intercession at the right hand of the Father are my life and hope. You have called me as your disciple to an inner journey of supernatural strength through prayer; and to an outer journey of supernatural love also through prayer. Your will for me is to experience the reality of your presence by “praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph 6:18). Thank you for the grace of prayer. Amen

From the Book of Common Prayer:  Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen