Luke 22:39-46 Pray

39. Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.

40. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."

Jesus habitually went to Gethsemane, and the disciples followed him without much thought. Jesus told the disciples to pray that they would not fall into temptation, and then he went off a little distance to pray. The intensity of his prayer was such that his sweat was like drops of blood.

The reason Jesus prayed so fervently was that he did not want to endure the agony of the cross. However, he ultimately prayed to submit to the Father's will. Jesus longed to avoid the suffering of the cross, but he desired to follow God's will.

Jesus told the disciples to pray that they would not fall into temptation. Satan's temptation aims to prevent the accomplishment of God's will. Jesus himself prayed to overcome Satan's temptation.

We too must pray ceaselessly to avoid falling into Satan's temptations. Only then can we fulfill God's will.

Gracious and righteous God, help us to pray unceasingly that we may not fall into Satan's temptations. Holy Spirit, make us strong and courageous. Amen.