3 AM is a significant hour of the day. This time of night (or early morning, depending on how you view it) is notorious for malicious activities as popularised by movies and books, so much so it has been nicknamed the “witching hour.” That being said, is there any significance to this much-touted “witching hour”? Is it essential to wake up at this time of the night to pray or meditate? What if I find myself mysteriously waking up at this time?
Fret not, because you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the significance of this time of the day and its biblical connotations. We will also discuss the importance of waking up at this time of the day (as your strength allows) to pray and meditate. Read on to learn more.
Biblical Models for People Waking Up Early
Now that you know this idea is written in scripture, let’s examine two popular biblical models for waking up on time: David and Jesus.
David
The Bible tells us that David was a man of prayer. He habitually praised God seven times a day, starting in the early morning hours.
Seven times a day, I praise you for your righteous laws.
Psalm 119:164
He added:
O GOD, You are my God; Early will I seek You
Psalm 63:1a
Of course, we know today that David was a man that never lost a battle. We can infer that his habit of praying and seeking God’s face early was pivotal to his successes as a king and a warrior.
Jesus
The ultimate example of seeking God early was Jesus Christ. Several times in scripture, we are told that Jesus went into a solitary place to pray alone. At other times, he prayed throughout the night. Perhaps the one that stands out as the perfect example was his ordeal in Gethsemane on the night of his arrest. The Bible tells us that Jesus was praying at about midnight when he was arrested.
So, now that we have two biblical models for people who woke up at or earlier than 3 AM, let’s discuss some of their significance and meaning of them as they pertain to us today.
Biblical Meaning of Waking Up by 3AM
1. The Need to Pray
If you find yourself habitually waking by 3 AM and you did not plan to do so, then, it is possible that your spirit wants you to pray. Perhaps there is some trouble coming, and God is trying to get you out of your comfort zone and into a place of intercession.
Do not neglect this feeling; instead, when you find yourself repeatedly waking at this time of the night, you need to use the opportunity to pray. It’s also possible that your spirit is sensing demonic activity around you and that you need to start your prayers.
Therefore, when you discover that you are habitually waking up at 3 a.m., unplanned, for several nights, take it as a warning sign and start praying. Who knows? God may use your intercession to make way for someone or to save someone’s life.
2. Prioritizing Spiritual Matters
Waking up by 3 AM is not exactly easy because this is usually the time when our bodies want to sleep, and for those of us that already sleep late at night, waking up by 3 AM is extremely difficult, if not downright impossible. However, by establishing a routine of waking up by this time, we are prioritizing spiritual matters over temporal ones.
As already established, even Jesus woke up early to spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35). Therefore, by prioritizing spiritual matters, we recognize the supreme importance of nurturing and developing our relationship with God and engaging in activities that promote spiritual growth. It entails acknowledging that issues pertaining to the soul have eternal significance and deliberately choosing to invest time, energy, and resources into spiritual pursuits.
Thus, when we wake up at this time, we have a better opportunity to pray and commune with God. It also means setting aside dedicated time to communicate with Him, expressing our needs, seeking His guidance, and cultivating a deeper connection. This intentional dialogue with God involves both speaking and listening, allowing us to align our hearts with His.
3. Setting the Tone for the Day
Another significant meaning of waking up by 3 AM is that it helps set the tone for the day. In the Bible, we find numerous instances where individuals rise early to seek God, pray, and commune with Him. By waking up at 3 AM, we can carve out uninterrupted time to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and studying Scripture. Jesus set an example by rising early to spend time with the Father, finding solitude and communion before the day’s demands unfolded.
But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18 (AMP)
Waking up at this hour can also symbolize a desire to align with significant biblical moments associated with the concept of “watching and waiting.” In the Bible, the third watch of the night (between midnight and 3 AM) is often associated with a time of vigilance, anticipation, and spiritual readiness. It can serve as a reminder to be watchful for God’s work and to be prepared for His guidance and leading throughout the day.
Setting the tone for the day by waking up at 3 AM can foster a sense of discipline and dedication to spiritual growth. It demonstrates a commitment to prioritize time with God, seeking His presence and will above all else. This intentional act can create an atmosphere of reverence and receptiveness, allowing for a deeper connection with God and a greater sensitivity to His voice.
Furthermore, by beginning the day with a focus on spiritual matters, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite Him to guide our steps throughout the day. It allows us to surrender our plans and seek His direction, recognizing that true success and fulfillment come from aligning ourselves with His purposes.
Also see: Prophetic Meaning Of A Wedding In A Dream
4. Cultivating Discipline
By waking up at 3 a.m., we cultivate discipline, which is an extremely important concept in the Bible. If you find yourself feeling the need to wake up by 3 AM to pray, it is possible that your spirit is trying to help you cultivate more discipline. As we already know, waking up early requires discipline and self-control, and this is exactly what the Bible encourages.
Scriptures encourages believers to cultivate discipline in various aspects of life, including managing our time and priorities. Proverbs 6:9-11 speaks against laziness and promotes diligence.
The apostle Paul frequently emphasized the importance of discipline in the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he uses the analogy of an athlete training for a race to illustrate the need for self-control and disciplined living. He urges believers to run the race in such a way as to obtain the prize, exercising self-control in every area of life to avoid being disqualified.
Hebrews 12:11 teaches that discipline, though challenging, produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it. This implies that cultivating discipline is not simply about self-control but about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes, allowing Him to shape and transform us into the likeness of Christ.
Remember that cultivating discipline extends beyond waking up early. It encompasses all aspects of the Christian life, including stewardship of time, talents, resources, and relationships. It involves consistently prioritizing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, studying Scripture, worship, and serving others.
5. God is Trying to Tell You Something
Finally, there’s the chance that if you repeatedly wake up by 3 AM, perhaps God wants to communicate with you through visions or by the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
In the Bible, there are several instances where God communicates with individuals during the nighttime or early morning hours. For example, in 1 Samuel 3, God called the young Samuel while he was sleeping and instructed him through a voice he did not recognize initially.
If you consistently wake up at 3 AM and feel a sense of spiritual significance or a prompting from God during that time, it can be seen as an invitation to seek His presence and listen attentively for His guidance. It may serve as an opportunity for prayer, reflection, or engaging in spiritual disciplines.
Conclusion on Biblical Meaning of Waking Up by 3AM
Waking up at 3 AM can hold different meanings for individuals. Most people prefer to sleep soundly all through the night; indeed, the Bible says that God gives his beloved good sleep. However, we must remember that the Bible also tells us that it was while men slept that the enemies sowed tares among the wheat. Therefore, waking up, praying, and seeking God’s face while you can is important.
Furthermore, the idea of God speaking to individuals during the early hours of the morning aligns with biblical accounts of divine communication occurring during nighttime or early morning hours. So, if you want to set the tone of your day, clear your mind, have time to pray, consider waking up early to seek God. Try it for one month and see what a difference it would make in your life!