Overcoming the Flesh in Prayer I

READ: Matt. 26:37-46, MORE LESSONS: Rom.12:1-2

The flesh is scripturally defined as the human nature and desire; it is a great enemy of God (Rom.8:8). The flesh is one great enemy of prayer and a man who has not conquered his flesh cannot enjoy a consistent prayer life.

The force of the flesh is at work when the mind wanders in prayer, and it is difficult to concentrate, or sleep takes over or you just can’t pray for a long time. Serious self discipline is required and sometimes deliverance may be sought. Discipline may include taking uncomfortable positions like Jesus had to until His sweat became like blood. Elijah put his head in between his legs (I Kings 18:42).

At another time Jesus moved into the wilderness without food and water for forty days and nights. Often He got up a great while before day (Mk.1:35), and trekked sometimes far to a mountain top to pray. In today's reading we see Jesus battling with the flesh. Spiritually He came for the purpose of redemption but physically it was too much to accomplish. Although He knew that the solution was to pray, He was too downcast to pray. He therefore had to fight the flesh by perseverance (Matt.26:39).

The lesson here is that the flesh resists prayer but you must not give in to the flesh, the more you feel like not praying the more you should pray. This may take discipline but it is not impossible. Obviously, the flesh is an enemy of the Spirit and until the flesh, which consists of the mind (the thinking faculty), feelings and emotions is conquered by a believer, godly, spiritual activities remain a struggle.

Apostle Peter was one disciple who had to battle with the flesh all through Jesus' ministry. Although a disciple, his flesh almost sent him out of the Kingdom like Judas. When at work the flesh is not a respecter of title or position.

The Word of God and a daily refilling with the Holy Ghost is the antidote to the flesh crisis. When the Holy Ghost came upon Peter at Pentecost, all loose and thoughtless speaking ended, the same tongue that landed him in trouble became a tool for preaching, bringing thousands into the Kingdom. When Apostle Paul began to renew his mind (thinking life) with the Word of God he prevailed over the flesh. For victory in the place of prayer and in life generally, give yourself to reading the Word more often and to praying in the spirit constantly. Paul and Peter won, you will win.

PRAYER/ACTION

* Rebuke every manifestation of the flesh against your spiritual life.

* Ask God for strength against your fleshly desires.

* Command the power that helped Jesus in Gethsemane to come upon you now

* Ask that everything that strengthens the flesh be destroyed in your life to its roots.

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