Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Weakness Turned to Strength Through Prayer—They [many of God’s people] do not see the importance of self-knowledge and self-control. They do not watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation. If they would watch, they would become acquainted with their weak points, where they are most likely to be assailed by temptation. With watchfulness and prayer their weakest points can be so guarded as to become their strongest points, and they can encounter temptation without being overcome. Every follower of Christ should daily examine himself, that he may become perfectly acquainted with his own conduct.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:511.) {Pr 32.3}
Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. It is so important to be aware of your actions and conduct. To be watchful, because someone else is also watching you, that is Satan. He watches closely, he knows your weaknesses. He is always ready to tempt you. He cannot force you into sin, but he will do all he can to lead you there. Once you fall into his world, his snare grips you tightly. However, if you are watching, and praying, God will loosen Satan’s grip. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Your weaknesses will become your strengths through prayer, and you shall be more than a conqueror. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37.
Dear heavenly Father,
We come into your presence through prayer. You have provided us with Your instruction to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. Satan wants to have us and sift us as wheat. We are so ever grateful that You will not suffer us be tempted above that we are able, and provide a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. We are so sorry that we ever sinned against You. We humbly repent of our sins, and pray You will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We pray that You will help us overcome all the evils and temptations of this world, even as You also overcame, that we would sin no more. We pray that we can bury the old self, and rise up in the newness of life. Where old things are passed away, and all things become new. That we may be born again, into the likeness of Your character, to become the creature You created in Your own image. Help us to guard our weakest points, that they become our strengths. Help us die to self every day, and take up our cross daily. Help us to understand the importance of self-knowledge and self-control and to be aware of our actions and conduct. Help us to be vigilant of the world around us and ourselves. Satan prowls around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Help us to be our brother’s keeper. Let no one be left behind. Let not sin come between us, dear Lord. What You have joined together, let not man put asunder. We thank You for the gift and privilege of prayer. We thank You for making us more than conquerors in all these things through Your love. We thank and praise You on behalf of all Your children. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
