A Wake-Up Call to Prayer: Overcoming Unmet Expectations and Temptation

Pastor Darren Gerald

September 14, 2025

Day 1: The Power of Prayer

Reading: Matthew 26:36-46

Devotional: Jesus' time in Gethsemane teaches us the vital importance of prayer, especially in our most challenging moments. Just as Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray with Him, God calls us to be vigilant in prayer. Reflect on your own prayer life. Are there areas where you've become complacent or "tone deaf" to God's call to deeper communion with Him? Consider how you might create more intentional time for prayer, both individually and with others. Remember, prayer is our lifeline to God, as essential as oxygen. How might your life and the lives of those around you change if you committed to more fervent, consistent prayer?

Day 2: Overcoming Temptation

Reading: James 4:6-8

Devotional: Temptation is a universal human experience, but as followers of Christ, we're called to resist it. Today's passage reminds us that humility and submission to God are key in this battle. When we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us. This proximity to our Creator empowers us to stand firm against temptation. Reflect on areas in your life where you feel most vulnerable to temptation. How might spending time in God's presence before temptation strikes help you resist? Remember, victory over temptation often begins long before the moment of testing. Commit to fortifying your spirit through regular time with God.

Day 3: Unmet Expectations and God's Grace

Reading: Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional: Unmet expectations can be a significant source of stress and disappointment in our lives. Yet, as we saw in Jesus' interaction with His disciples, sometimes we need to adjust our expectations and lean more fully on God. Today's passage encourages us to bring all our concerns to God in prayer. When we do this, we open ourselves to receive His peace that surpasses understanding. Consider a situation in your life where your expectations haven't been met. How might bringing this to God in prayer change your perspective? Remember, God's grace is sufficient for all our needs, even when others fall short.

Day 4: Being a Difference Maker

Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Devotional: We are called to be "difference makers" in our world – salt and light that impacts those around us. This calling requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Reflect on your sphere of influence – your family, workplace, neighborhood. How are you currently making a difference for Christ in these areas? Consider practical ways you could increase your impact, such as committing to pray for your neighbors by name or looking for opportunities to serve those around you. Remember, even small acts of love and kindness can have a ripple effect in God's kingdom.

Day 5: Finding Strength in Suffering

Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Devotional: Jesus' experience in Gethsemane reminds us that even the Son of God faced moments of deep anguish and struggle. Yet in His suffering, Jesus submitted to the Father's will, finding strength beyond His human limitations. Today's passage assures us that God's grace is sufficient in our weaknesses. When we feel overwhelmed or alone in our struggles, we can lean into God's power. Reflect on a current challenge you're facing. How might embracing your weakness and relying more fully on God's strength change your approach to this situation? Remember, our sufferings can become opportunities for God's power to be displayed in our lives.