Holy Bible Online 
"Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation.” What did Jesus mean by watch and pray? Learn the meaning and where it is found in the Bible in this Bible study.
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- Matthew 26:41 NKJV
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- Matthew 26:41 NIV
In this verse, Jesus warns us about how weak and susceptible to temptation our flesh is. Jesus was at Gethsemane, distressed, engaged in a spiritual battle. He asked His disciples to keep watch while He went to pray alone. When He returned, He found them sleeping. Even after calling their attention, they fell asleep two more times before Jesus was arrested.
This passage in Matthew 26 gives us a significant example of how a lack of vigilance can expose us to temptation. The disciples were tired in a seemingly calm place, away from Jesus' sight. Two factors led them to give in to their flesh: the false sense of security and the feeling of not being seen by God.
In reality, the disciples distanced themselves from God. Jesus asked them to remain in prayer, which would have kept them in the presence of the Father. A lack of discernment (watching) opened the door to failure. This teaches us an important lesson on how not to fall into temptation: be mindful of "apparently calm" moments and always seek God.
Watch
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
Watching means being alert, not “letting your guard down.” It is often in seemingly harmless situations that we can fall into temptation.
The best way to watch is through the Word of God. It is through the Word that we can identify the subtle traps and schemes of Satan. Jesus defeated the Devil in the wilderness through the Word. He was alert and did not succumb to His flesh - fatigue and hunger - or the distorted words of the Devil.
The Word of God keeps us vigilant. Through it, we strengthen our faith, and through faith, we stay alert and control our flesh.
Pray
Pray continually.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayer keeps us in constant communion with God. When we pray, we take the initiative. God hears our prayers and responds. Through vigilance, we perceive the natural, and through prayer, we discern the spiritual.
God sees beyond what our eyes can, and through prayer, we gain His guidance. Praying is an act of courage and faith, not fear or weakness. We pray because we believe in God and His power. Prayer strengthens our spirit and our intimacy with Him.
When we watch and pray, we put into practice what Jesus said in Matthew 26. This enables us to spiritually discern what is happening around us. Do not be deceived by appearances; sanctify yourself, watch, and pray!
Learn more about God; check out this study on the fruits of the Spirit and the fruits of the flesh.