Mark 14:38a - Secret for Power over Temptation!

Mark 14:38a; Secret for Power over Temptation!

Mark 14:38a (NLT)  Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation 
will overpower you.  

Pray (Gr., keep praying) in order that they might not enter into 
temptation. [Wycliffe Bible Commentary] 

If you do not watch and pray, and use the means of perseverance, 
you may be overcome. (Matthew Henry's Commentary) 

Watching (keeping alert) and prayer (remaining constantly 
dependent on the Lord) are imperative for us too, if we are to overcome 
our temptations. [Victor Bible Background Commentary] 

The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray. 
Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive 
to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because 
temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can't resist it alone. 
Prayer is essential because God's strength can shore up our defenses 
and defeat Satan's power. [Life Application SB] 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he 
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to 
you."[1 James 4:7, 8.] We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's 
power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own 
strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord 
is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."[2 
Prov. 18:10.] Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who 
finds refuge in that mighty name.  DA131 

We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts 
by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere 
prayer. SC99 

It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven 
that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties 
before us.  GW257,8