July 9: Hour of Prayer – Jesus calls us to Watch

We’re going back to the “Hour of Prayer” and starting with minute 21 – Watching.

The challenge we have today is that certain words trigger certain contexts. When we hear the word “watch” we think “TV” and we assume we can relax and enjoy. What did Jesus mean by the word “watch”?

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me

Matthew 26:38

When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to watch with him. Obviously he wasn’t asking them to watch television. We see He was discouraged not to find them praying. Is watching a synonym for praying?

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Matthew 26:41

It seems that watching is distinct from praying. It’s times like this that I love using Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary (free online). Webster’s is filled with Scripture and is a great tool to understand Scripture.

5. To be attentive; to be vigilant in preparation for an event or trial, the time of whose arrival is uncertain.

WATCH therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Mat 24.

http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/watch

Jesus wants us to be attentive. Television watching, on the other hand, is associated with lower cognitive ability. Jesus’ idea of watching is increasing awareness.

Let’s spend some time today asking Him to help us be aware – we’ll spend the next few days looking at how we can pray for attentiveness!