Week Three Prayer Guide: Walking With Christ With A Sober Mind

READ:

John 18: 15-25; Luke 22: 31-34, 54-62; I Peter 1: 13-19, 4:7-11, 5:6-11

CONSIDER:

Jesus warned Peter concerning his upcoming temptation and his sin of denying Christ. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  (Luke 22:31-32)   

Jesus also declared to Peter the critical importance of prayer in our spiritual battles against temptation and sin.  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26:41)

“Everything Peter thought he knew about himself, all his self-confidence and belief in his undying loyalty to his Master, has been shattered and lies in utter ruins.  He sees himself as a failure, a liar, a traitor, and one who has just invoked God’s wrath upon himself in denying the Messiah just to save his own skin.  Perhaps he recalled Jesus’s earlier words: “Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven”  (Matt 10:33).  Not only has he betrayed and denied the man he had trusted and followed for the past three years, leaving him to face his accusers and die alone, but also he has incriminated himself before God’s judgment seat by uttering his curse and oath.”[1]

Peter learned important lessons from this epic failure in his life.  We should learn from it as well.  Our time of prayer and fasting this week will focus on the example of Peter and how we should be watchful in prayer. 

As you pray and fast:

Pray for alertness and watchful attitude in your prayer time, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as you pray (1 Peter 1:13-19)

Pray for self-control and humility that recognizes our weaknesses and complete reliance on Christ (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Pray for vigilance and for sober-mindedness, because we have an enemy who is out for our destruction.  (I Peter5:6-11)

Pray in thanksgiving for the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, pray that the power and grace of the gospel will encourage you and motivate you to draw near to Christ and walk with Him. 

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[1] Kostenberger, Andreas J.; Taylor, Justin (2014-01-31). The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived (Kindle p. 1691-1696).