I go on to write:

Perhaps this relates to Peter (aka Simon) having his faith shaken by the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of his friend, teacher, and Lord. The story continues with the disciples following Jesus to the Mount of Olives where Jesus says to them, “pray that you will not fall into temptation. (Luke 22:40 NIV)

These statements make me wonder about the things that we pray for each other. How often do we have friends tell us they are praying that our faith won’t fail during stressful times in our lives? How often do we tell others we are praying their faith won’t fail? How often do we ask other people to pray for us, that our faith won’t fail? Or that we won’t fall into temptation? And what would that temptation be, that Jesus was praying his disciples would not fall into?

Perhaps the temptation would be to abandon their faith?

“Recall the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and how the Devil tried to instill doubt about Jesus’ relationship with God and doubt about the fullness and purpose of the Holy spirit in Jesus’ life, tempting him to do miracles and bring himself glory and fame. Yet, here at the end of His life, Jesus is still glorifying God . . . Do we pray to remain united with God, each other, and Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit? Or do we throw up our arms and throw out anything good we believed about God and the love Jesus told us he has for us?” (Praying Our Way Through Stress; Westbow Press, page 102 – (c) 2013 June G Paul)

Finally, I think it’s important to hold to this thought: Today Jesus is seated at the right hand of God interceding for all of us. When we think none of our family or friends are praying for us we can be assured that ‘Our Father’ is and that Jesus, who called his disciples ‘friends’ and also those who do the will of God, his ‘brothers, sisters and mothers’ is praying for us. And His prayers are never futile, but always fruitful.

Still, Let us pray and pray that we are praying according to His will . . .

Lord God, Your disciples asked you to teach them how to pray and to increase their faith. We admit that we need the same teaching and increase in our lives. Help us to pray for strengthening of our own faith and that of our friends and family members. Please give us your Holy Spirit, that we might receive a Spirit of Understanding, a Spirit of Faith and a Spirit of Pure Love so we may glorify you in our daily lives. AMEN