Matt. 26 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Jesus tried three times to get His Disciples to watch and pray with Him just before His crucifixion. Sometimes we just need to keep ourselves awake to pray.

Years ago when I went to the church every morning at 6 a.m. to cultivate a morning prayer life, I would quickly go to sleep if I knelt down at a pew to pray. I concluded, “This isn’t working.” So, I began walking and praying. I would sing through 5 Psalms every day, loudly. iI developed iron lungs and a strong voice.

David had to speak to himself and stir up his inner man. Awake up, my glory (tongue); awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. [Ps. 57:8]

I remember one morning when I had to make a strong effort to stay awake. Eventually, I experienced one of the greatest times of worship and spiritual breakthrough in my life. My effort to stay awake and pray was GREATLY REWARDED.