Maundy Thursday reflection: ‘Keeping awake’ in prayer

In this short reflection, taken from Prayer News 289, Sam talks about the challenge from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to ‘watch and pray’. You can find this passage in the following Gospel accounts: Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22.In this short reflection, taken from Prayer News 289, Sam talks about the challenge from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to ‘watch and pray’. You can find this passage in the following Gospel accounts: Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22.

On Maundy Thursday (14 April), the joyful and jubilant atmosphere of Palm Sunday turns sombre as we read and think on the hours leading up to Jesus’ death.

We see Jesus wash His disciples’ feet, and then share the Passover meal with them, even as Judas leaves to betray Him. We hear Jesus’ moving words to His disciples (and us), as He talks about how we will face persecution, but exhorts us to ‘remain in [His] love (John 15:9)’. And then, with heavy hearts, we follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane or Mount of Olives, where He asks His closest friends to ‘watch and pray’ while He goes a little farther to pray alone (Matthew 26:41).

But His disciples fall asleep – and not just once, but three times!

In this reflection, above, Sam shares a few thoughts on Jesus’ instruction to stay alert in prayer, and what that might mean for us.

Questions for reflection

• Where might God be calling you to ‘keep awake’ in prayer?
• Are there stories from the persecuted church which have inspired or prompted you to keep praying?  
• Are there situations where you have been struggling to ‘watch and pray’? Bring them before Jesus now and ask for renewed strength.