Very Early in the Morning
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35
What is so great about doing something very early in the morning? Why do some people see very early in the morning to be the best time of day? Here are some other examples: John Wesley, started the Methodist church – up at 4:00 a.m. to make requests to God [8] E.M. Bounds, prayer warrior – up at 4:00 a.m. to make requests to God until 7:00 a.m. [8] Samuel Chadwick, President of the Methodist Church in England – made requests to God from 4 to 5 a.m. His quote: “Difficulties give way before determined men.” [8] Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators – up at 4:00 a.m. to make requests to God [9] Leader of the American seminary – made requests to God from 4 to 6 a.m. [8] Hudson Taylor, started China Inland Mission – made requests to God from 2 to 4 a.m. [10] Robert A. Jaffray, Christian Missionary Alliance Director – up at 4:00 a.m. to be at his work [11] Benjamin Franklin, one of the beginning fathers of the United States – started his day at 4:30 a.m. [3] Jack LaLanne, expert on healthy living – up at 4:30 a.m. to do physical activity [7] Clarence Bass, expert on healthy living – up at 4:00 a.m. to do physical activity [1] Donald Hall, writer – up at 4:30 a.m. to do his writing [4] William Boykin, Lieutenant General in United States Army, Deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence -- up at 4:30 am to make requests to God for 30 minutes [5] George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States – up at 4:30 am to read Bible [5] Alexander von Humboldt, Naturalist and explorer – rose at 4 in the morning for 30 years [6]. The Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God – up very early in the morning while it was still dark to make requests to God [2]
Thoughts on Praying Very Early in the Morning Like Jesus:
1. Very early in the morning is between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. 2. At 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. there are fewer distractions. Others are still sleeping. There is nothing on television but offers to exchange your money for stuff. The work of the day is not on my mind. I am more attentive to what God is saying to me. 3. When I do something as important as talking to God at 4:00 in the morning it is a good day. Its not important how the rest of the day goes. It will be a good day because I talked to God first. 4. When I talk to God at 4:00 a.m., I do the work of the day knowing I talked to God about it. I have the knowledge God is watching over my work, helping you. 5. When I make requests to God at 4:00 a.m. I am letting God know that making requests to Him is important to me. It reminds me and those near me, that making requests to God is important enough to me that I am willing to sacrifice. To give up sleep. To give up late night events. To give up the approval of the general public. To give up the approval of some of my friends. All to make requests to God.
References:[1] Bass, Clarence. Ripped 2: Lose Fat! Stay Lean! Gain Muscle! Clarence Bass’ Ripped Enterprises, NM, 1982, p. 103.[2] Bible, Mark 1:35 [3] Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin  . Oxford University Press, Inc.: New York, 1949, p. 90.[4] Hall, Donald. Life Work  . Beacon Press: Boston, MA, 1993, p. 41.[5] Mansfield, Stephen. The Faith of the American Soldier  . Penguin Group (USA) Inc.: London, 2005, p.125.[6] Marden, Orison Swett, How to Succeed; or Stepping Stones to Fame and Fortune. Bible House: New York, 1896. [7] Ottum, Bob. “Look, Mom, I’m An Institution.” Sports Illustrated, pp. 65-75. [8] Ravenhill, Leonard. Revival Praying. Bethany House Publishers: Minneapolis, MN, 1962, pp. 101-103. [9] Skinner, Betty Lee. Daws: A Man Who Trusted God. Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, MI, 1974, p. 64. [10] Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. Howard. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret. Moody Press: Chicago, p. 235. [11] Tozer, A.W. Let My People Go: The Life of Robert a Jaffray  . Christian Publications: Camp Hill, PA, 1990, p. 31.
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Posted on June 10, 2008
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