About the Space of One Hour
“And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”Matthew 26:40–41 (KJV)
In Gethsemane, Jesus came back from praying and found his disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” Then he warned him: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
A few hours later, in the high priest’s courtyard, Peter was tested. He denied Jesus once, then again. Luke adds a small detail: “And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him.” And Peter said, “Man, I know not what thou sayest.”
One hour he couldn’t watch. One hour between his second and third denial. Peter had an hour to come to his senses, and he didn’t. Not because he didn’t love Jesus, but because he hadn’t prayed when he had the chance.
The hours we spend with God before the test are what carry us through it. If you know a hard day is coming, spend an hour, or even a few minutes, watching and praying first.
Count it yourself
About one hour passed between Peter’s second and third denial (Luke 22:59), and Jesus told him he would deny him thrice (Matthew 26:34).
Where do you need to watch and pray now, before a test that you can see coming?
Lord Jesus, my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. Teach me to watch and pray with you. Amen.