Overcoming the Flesh in Prayer I

Saturday 23 September
READ: Matt. 26:37-46     
MORE LESSON:  Gal. 6:8-9

The flesh is scripturally defined as the human nature and desire; it is a great enemy of God. From experience, Paul declared, So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God: Rom. 8:8. The flesh is one great enemy of prayer and any man who has not conquered his flesh cannot enjoy a consistent prayer life.

The force of the flesh is manifested when the mind wanders in prayers, and it is difficult to concentrate, or when sleep takes over or you just can't pray for a long time. In such situations, serious self discipline is required and sometimes deliverance may be sought. Discipline may include taking uncomfortable position like Jesus had to until His sweat became like blood. Elijah put his head between his legs (I Kgs. 18:42).At another time Jesus moved into the wilderness, without food and water for forty days and nights. He often got up a great while before day, (Mk. 1:35), and trekked sometimes far to a mountain to pray.

In today's reading we see Jesus battling with the flesh. Spiritually He came for this purpose 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 persistence;  And he went a little further, and fell  on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt: Matt.  26:39.

The lesson here is that our flesh will resist our desire to pray, but we must not give in to the push of the flesh. The more you feel like not praying, the more you should pray. This surely takes discipline but it is not impossible. Sometimes it is wisdom to join forces with someone in the place of prayer, a prayer partner or a mentor. You can occasionally join your church prayer warriors to strengthen your place of prayer. The book of Proverbs says, Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend: Prov. 27:17.

I have also learnt the act of prayer- walk as an effective means of overcoming weakness in the place of prayer. This helps especially to deal with sleep and tiredness when I have to pray. It could be a long or short distance, or even just pace around the hall of prayer. No price is too big to pay for an effective prayer life.

Prayer/Action
*  Ask the Lord to crucify the flesh in you, that you may radiate the life of Jesus as you stand in the sweet hour of prayer.
*  Ask for the strength of the Holy Spirit to overcome all weakness in the place of prayer.
* Ask for the spirit of grace and of supplication to come upon you.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I suck the milk of Gentiles and kings shall serve me in destiny, in the name of Jesus.