November 3, some years ago, Jerry read from Mark 24:38, "Jesus said to His disciples as they had fallen asleep while he was off by Himself in prayer to the Father, 'Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.'"
"Jesus never put His trust in humans (though he loved them) for He knew that humans were born with a sinful nature inherent. He told His disciples that life would need to be filled with continual vigilance because, although their spirit wanted to follow Him, the human flesh and the desires of this world would always be present to go against God's ways.
"My own human condition is exactly like that of all mankind. My spirit is willing yet my flesh is weak. The approval and values of this world are always there lurking about, awaiting an opportune moment to come in.
"Lord Jesus, keep me alert and vigilant to the tempting ways of the world that I may turn away. Amen."
Jerry's prayer is very much like one that I have made many times. I'm aware that those friends of mine who love the Lord, pray much the same way. It is the human condition. Our spirits' long for the perfect obedience God hopes for, yet we make the same mistakes over and over because we are weak. Complete obedience is our aim, but our humanity closes in, and we miss the bulls-eye!
Lord, Jesus, be with us as we start over and over, and help us to close in on the mark that you have made for us--continued prayer for the weak points in our own lives and the lives of others we love.
Jo INMN
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