By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
It's time to pray for ourselves, our world
Pastor's corner
0401 AF Bradeen
Pastor A.F. Bradeen is pastor of House of Prayer Christian Church and Bible Seminary and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance. - photo by File photo

“And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, ‘What, could ye not watch with me one hour?’” — Matthew 26:40   
Those who read the word of God know that these words were spoken by our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was crucified. This was the place where the victory was won.
The humanity of Christ prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but in the same breath His love and obedience to God prays, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” Through the power of prayer, Jesus overcame all the forces of darkness. This was not only done to purchase our salvation, but also to show us the only way we can overcome all the evil desires of our flesh.
The promise of eternal life is to those who overcome. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake, which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:7-8).
Jesus was not pleased with the disciples, for He said, “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.” Jesus knew that unless the disciples learned the discipline of prayer, they would not overcome the evil of their own fleshly desires. They would not be able to make it to heaven, nor help others find the way.
We find that after the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, the disciples learned the power of prayer. “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1).
The rest is history. Christ’s church was born in a prayer meeting, souls were saved, the sick were healed, demons were expelled, and the mighty name of Jesus was exalted.
The early church prayed and, the Bible says, “the place was shaken.” Now, it is our turn. The devil is not afraid of music, seminars, youth rallies or attendance drives. He does not fear programs or plays. But, Satan trembles when the weakest Christian is on their knees.
“What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” This still is the heart-searching question the Savior is asking. Are we too busy with our jobs, classes and recreation that we cannot stop and bow in humble admission that we need the power of heaven to touch our souls once again? How many people reading this message are guilty of viewing things on the Internet that will bring the wrath of God upon their soul, family and the whole nation?
Change your schedule, stop the rat race and make time to pray. Pray in your office, in your homes. Start a prayer meeting at your church. Pray for your pastor. Pastors, pray for the flock. America needs revival, and it starts with you and me on our knees.

Bradeen is pastor of House of Prayer Christian Church and Bible Seminary and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.

Sign up for our e-newsletters