In Gethsemane, Jesus “returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak’” (Matthew 26:40-41).
In A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, William Law says:
Prayer is the nearest approach to God, and the highest enjoyment of Him, that we are capable of in this life… On the other hand, sleep is the poorest, dullest refreshment of the body… so far from being intended as an enjoyment, that we are forced to receive it either in a state of insensibility, or in the folly of dreams.
Sleep is essential, but prayer is even more important. Ask God to help you find the right balance in your life.
P.R.A.Y. for Today
Praise God for His grace in allowing you to talk with Him; repent of any drowsiness or dullness you’ve had in prayer times; ask for more of His spiritual energy; yield to Him by changing your prayer routine to help you stay alert.