Watching Unto Prayer

 

The Command to Watch

 

Unto what are we exhorted to watch?

 

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7.

 

How general is the command to watch?

 

“What I say unto you, I say to everyone: Watch!’” Mark 13:37.  

 

Temptation and Watching

 

What is one of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer?

 

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13.   

 

By what means can we escape temptation?

 

“Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41.  

 

Note – To couple with our prayers a spirit of watchful cooperation with God in answering them is watching unto prayer.

 

How is the duty again expressed?

 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2. 

 

How faithful should we be in this matter?

 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18. 

 

Examples of Faithful Watching

 

When did Israel prevail in battle?

 

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Exodus 17:11.

 

What experience came to the householder as a result of failing to watch?

 

“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let the house be broken into.” Matthew 24:43.  

 

What experience comes to those who wait upon the Lord?

 

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, and they walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31. 

 

For what did Habakkuk say he would watch?

 

“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this compliant.” Habakkuk 2:1.

 

Note – Some are very anxious that God should hear them when they pray, but are quite indifferent as to what He says in reply.

 

Success or Failure

 

How may we escape the evils coming on the world?

 

“Be always on the watch, and pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36.   

 

Note – Vigilance as well as prayer is necessary if we would escape the evils, delusions, and calamities of the last days.

 

What will be the result of not watching?

 

“But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and then he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” Luke 12:45,46.

 

What will Christ’s servants be doing when He comes?

 

“Be dressed ready for the service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for the servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve will have them recline at the table and will come and wait upon them.” Verses 35-37.

 

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