Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Insight and Highlight
Jesus showed Peter a perfect example of the prayer intercessor: that is, prayer strengthens the weak that he may receive strength to make others strong.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Scripture Commentaries
Jesus expressed His mental agony to His inner companion of three, Peter, James, and John, Matt 26:37.
In His very dark hour His fleshly soul sought prayer comfort.
Not likely His three disciples really understood the severity of His painful sorrow. Even if they did, their human nature failed to endure Jesus' exceeding sorrow in prayer.
Jesus had earlier told Peter how He had prayed for him and that when he is converted, he should strengthen his brethren.
Peter was restored but, he would however fail to strengthen his Master at His most excruciating moment.
It may be unknown to them, especially Peter, that it was a time to watch for themselves for one hour rather than for Jesus.
It was actually an hour with Jesus to pray for themselves rather than an hour to pray for Jesus.
This is because Jesus came to die, no prayer could change this.
Jesus was bidding Peter and the other two, "...watch with me", for there are great trials close at hand; they were about to be scattered from Him, tempted to deny and forsake Him. These they could resist only by prayer and watchfulness.
Peter was caught unawares, unprepared, and spiritually unstable.
The only thing needful was a timely prayer to prepare him and others, but they were asleep all through ref Matt 13:25.
Remorse corner
When we pray for others, we are praying for ourselves. You are prayed for, that you may pray for others.
Call to Word action
Though Jesus' prediction of Peter must be fulfilled, it is also noteworthy that the scripture also informs that timely prayers, when answered, do change things, even God's declared judgments, Exd 32:14, 1 Kgs 21:29, Luke 22:31
The Christian clarion duty
Peter, at denial, could not remember Jesus' word that he will deny Him. He only remembered after the third cock crew, Matt 26:75.
Prayer may not take away the pain but it can bring the manifestation of God's power in the midst of weakness, 2 Cor 9-10.
Prayer
Lord help me, through prayer and watchfulness, to resist all hindrances limiting my commitment and dedication to You, in Jesus' name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day.
God bless you.