I continue to hear the phrase, “Watch and pray” in my quiet moments.
And I get a picture of an airplane with two wings.
Each wing is needed.
Jesus’ simple but powerful command—“Watch and pray”—isn’t just a moment in the Garden of Gethsemane; it’s a lifestyle of spiritual alertness and intimacy with God.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
This verse shows us both the tension and the invitation of Jesus:
the pull of our human weakness
and the call to live fully awake in the Spirit.
- First wing of the airplane:
Stay Awake: The Call to Watch
In the garden, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake with Him. Yet they kept falling asleep. How often does that mirror our own lives—spiritually asleep while the Lord is inviting us to partner with Him?
To watch means to stay alert, discerning, and attentive to God’s movements.
Be spiritually discerning about what’s happening in your heart and in the world (Matthew 24:42).
Guard your heart, because the enemy loves distraction (Proverbs 4:23; 1 Peter 5:8).
Be aware of deception, remembering Jesus’ warning that many will be led astray (Matthew 24:4–5).
Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, our lamps must stay lit. Watchfulness keeps us ready for Jesus’ return and sensitive to His presence in our daily lives.
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, where have I been spiritually asleep? Help me wake up to what You’re doing.”
2. The second wing of the airplane:
Stay Connected: The Call to Pray
Prayer is how we stay connected to the heartbeat of God.
It’s where anxiety gives way to peace (Philippians 4:6–7)
and where weakness is exchanged for strength (Ephesians 6:18).
Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Abiding Prayer is the bridge between those two realities—it strengthens your spirit to lead your flesh.
Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s joining with Him in His work.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” — Colossians 4:2
Nehemiah modelled this beautifully: “We prayed to our God and set a watch.” (Nehemiah 4:9)
Prayer and watchfulness go hand in hand—
one fuels discernment,
the other activates faith.
Prayer Prompt:
“Jesus, what are You inviting me to pray about today? What’s on Your heart?”
Watching and Praying:
They are like 2 wings on an airplane.
What happens when we have one wing and not two?
Watching without praying leads to fear, worry and burnout.
Praying without watching leads to naivety and confusion.
Together, they form a posture of spiritual maturity—
a readiness to respond to God’s voice
and resist the schemes of the enemy.
One without the other causes imbalance, but together they allow you to soar.
Watchfulness keeps your eyes open to God’s movement,
while prayer keeps your heart aligned with His will.
When both are working in harmony, you rise above the turbulence of life and move forward with strength and direction.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” — 1 Peter 4:7
Prayer Prompt:
“Holy Spirit, teach me how to live alert and prayerful without fear, but with faith.”
The Fruit of a Watchful, Prayerful Life?
When you choose to watch and pray, you will:
– Avoid falling into temptation (Matthew 26:41)
– Receive revelation and guidance (Habakkuk 2:1)
– Walk in peace and readiness (Philippians 4:6–7; Luke 21:36)
– Participate in God’s plans for transformation (Ezekiel 33:6–7)
Living It Out
– Set a rhythm: Begin and end each day (take off and land) with moments of prayer and reflection.
– Journal what you hear: Write down the nudges and impressions the Spirit gives you.
– Stay rooted in Scripture: God’s Word sharpens your discernment.
– Partner with others: Surround yourself with believers who help you stay spiritually awake. (This theme is what we continue to walk in as women over Zoom.)
Closing Thought
The invitation to watch and pray is not a burden—it’s a blessing.
It’s an open door (or open sky to go up higher) to intimacy, discernment, and divine partnership with the One who never sleeps nor slumbers.
Stay awake.
Stay connected.
Because when we watch and pray,
we begin to see as Heaven sees,
think as Heaven thinks,
speak as Heaven speaks,
and move as Heaven moves.
Bless you as you turn to the Lord, watching and praying, and taking you higher!
Merri Ellen 🙂
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Enjoy the books: “God, Show Me What You See” or “God, Show Me More of You“
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
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