WATCHMAN SERIES: WATCH AND PRAY

06/28/2024

There are things that should and should not happen to you, or around you if you take ownership of your role as a watchman. As the year reaches its midpoint, reflect with thanksgiving on the events that have occurred in your life, recognizing that much of it happened through your prayers and the prayers of the saints for you.

Jesus said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38). The key word in this instruction is "watch," meaning to be alert. Physically, it is impossible to stay alert all the time, but as a soldier of Christ, there are times when you must be vigilant to prevent enemy incursions into your life, family, and ministry.

When Jesus "spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1), He implied that there are times to prosecute prayer, and at such times, you should not be slumbering.

Imagine that the trial of a wicked criminal was ongoing and you, the prosecuting attorney, did not show up to court when you should have. The trial judge would strike out the lawsuit and order the defendant's discharge. This is what happens to many believers when they should be in prayer but allow themselves to be distracted. To avoid this, it is essential to observe prayer watches. Although observing these watches may vary from person to person, it is crucial to pray during at least three watches each day.

Too much is sacrificed on the altar of complacency when you are not alert to the incursions of the enemy that the watches are designed to curtail. Over the next few days, we will look at the timing of the eight watches of prayer in the Bible and how, at such times, we ought to engage in regimented prayer.

Understand that there is a military discipline to prayer that can enhance your spiritual accuracy, leading to an error-free life on earth. There are wicked schemes to avert, angelic visitations to secure, and graces to procure from the Lord that only praying by the watches will guarantee.

Begin to observe any of the watches at midnight, 3 am, 6 am, 9 am, noon, 3 pm, 6 pm, or 9 pm by withdrawing to pray. Luke 5:16 says, "So He [Jesus] Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." If He did it often, so should you.

Have a great day.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a dutiful watchman, praying by the watches and summons of the Spirit. I make bold strides at these times of prayer, reducing error and enhancing rightness with God in every aspect of my life. Hallelujah!

Prayer Direction

• Pray for families experiencing trauma due to missing loved ones. Pray for their peace and comfort, and that the missing individuals will be found and restored to their families (Psalm 147:3).

• Pray for ministers contemplating suicide. Pray that the love of God will prevail against such thoughts and intentions (Jeremiah 29:11).

• Pray for the sick in your family. Declare healing for their bodies in Jesus' name (Jeremiah 30:17).

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Job 13-15; Acts 8:26-40