What does it mean to watch and pray?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament talks about watching. In Habakkuk 2:1, Habakkuk demonstrates spiritual vigilance, waiting expectantly for God’s guidance. We, too, must "watch" by being alert to God’s voice and instructions.
• Ezekiel was called to be a watchman (Ezekiel 3:17). This role involves discerning spiritual dangers and responding through prayer and proclamation of the truth.
• Psalm 127:1 shows us the necessity of reliance on God in being vigilant.
• Being vigilant in prayer is also shown in the Old Testament. Daniel consistently prayed three times a day, even in the face of danger and threat against his life (Daniel 6:10).
• In Nehemiah 4:9, Nehemiah illustrates vigilance in prayer: "And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."

from the new testament

• The first time Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray is in Luke 21 when He cautions His disciples to live as though the end of days are just around the corner. He says many hearts will be weighed down with the things of this world and many will be surprised when the end comes. He then tells His disciples to be on the lookout for these times and to pray for strength.
• The second time Jesus says to watch and pray is the night before His crucifixion. He is in the garden praying and wanting His disciples to join Him. As He prays, He notices them sleeping. He tells them to watch and pray to avoid temptation, later saying, " …The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
• We should watch and pray in order to be on the lookout for anything that tempts us to neglect a close, abiding relationship with Christ (John 15:5).
• We are warned that the moment may come at any time to stand before God (Romans 14:12). We must watch and pray because we eagerly await His return and because we need to be prepared when He comes (or when we meet Him after our earthly death).
• Ephesians 6:10–18 talks about spiritual warfare and indicates that prayer is a vital part of the armor of God. We are to watch by being aware of the snares of sin and of the Devil's schemes; we are to pray because it is God who has the power to protect us. God has made prayer the means by which we communicate with Him and receive His strength.
• We are told to be always praying, and always giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
• We are to endure spiritual trials free from distractions, which means focusing our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1–2).
• First Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." We must diligently watch and pray to not be caught by the claws of our enemy, Satan.

implications for today

Today, many talk about our need to "watch and pray." "Watch" is a word meaning to have vigilant awareness, like a sentry at night. A sentry is to be on guard for anything out of order, for the enemy's advance, or for anything that might threaten his watch. At night, this vigilance is even more pronounced. Similarly, we as Christians must watch out for the clever snares of the enemy. We must also watch for the work of God, looking to see what He is doing and being attentive to His future return. Lastly, we must pray to develop spiritually as we foster an intimate relationship with Christ.