Living In The Light

December 16, Prayer And Watchfulness, Our Only Sure Defense

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
—Mark 13:37 LL 368.1

Our only sure defense against besetting sins is prayer, daily and hourly prayer. Not one day zealous and the next careless, but through watchfulness and earnestness becoming vitalized by communion with God. Prayer is necessary, and we should not wait for feeling, but pray, earnestly pray, whether we feel like it or not. Heaven is open to our prayers. Prayer is the channel that conducts our gratitude and yearnings of soul for the divine blessing to the throne of God, to be returned to us in refreshing showers of divine grace. With very many, this channel is allowed to freeze up, and then the connection with heaven is interrupted. Sad indeed is the professed follower of Christ when his or her connection with the great Head is broken off. Oh, that we would spend more time upon our knees and less time in planning for ourselves and in thinking we may do some great thing. LL 368.2

With prayer, our Redeemer has coupled watchfulness. “I say unto you all, Watch” (Mark 13:37). There is not a Christian upon the earth whose heart will not bear close watching. The approach of the tempter is sly, and his purposes concealed. We need to agonize with God in prayer that old habits which we have cherished until they have giant strength shall not master and control us. We want to watch, every moment. You especially need to watch your thoughts and your tongue; and watch for opportunities to do good. Like Mary, be found at the feet of Jesus, humble, devoted, learning of Him; and like Martha, be ever active, watching for opportunities to be of service in doing good to others in this life. We may thus obtain a fitness for the better life. LL 368.3

The very best way to secure a fitness for the higher life is to watch unto prayer. Says Christ, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always” (Luke 21:36). Our eyes should be consecrated to God by watching with the closest diligence lest Satan steal a march upon us and involve us in difficulty.—Letter 52, 1874. LL 368.4

Further Reflection: : Ellen White makes it clear that part of watching is agonizing with God concerning bad habits and sins. What negative habit or sin should you take to God in earnest prayer that you might receive victory? LL 368.5