Have you ever considered the benefits of early morning prayer? As the world around us sleeps, a unique opportunity exists to connect with God profoundly. Early morning prayer has been a Christian practice for centuries.
While it may require some discipline to wake up early and dedicate time to prayer, this practice’s numerous benefits can profoundly impact our spiritual growth and overall well-being.
In this article, I will walk you through what the Bible says about praying early in the morning; 15 benefits of early morning prayer, and why it’s good to pray early.
You will also find more resources and answers to the following questions in this article:
- Why is it good to pray early in the morning?
- What does the Bible say about praying early in the morning?
- What are the benefits of praying early? (15 benefits of early morning prayer).
- Frequently asked questions about the benefits of early morning prayer.
So, let’s discover the many benefits of starting your day with prayer and more.
Why is it Good to Pray Early in the Morning?
One of the most popular times to pray is early morning, and for a good reason.
First and foremost, praying early in the morning allows us to start our day focusing on God, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Secondly, it allows us to surrender our plans, thoughts, and concerns to God and seek His guidance for the day ahead.
Additionally, praying in the morning helps us establish a consistent habit of prayer, which often leads to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. It also allows us to prioritize our time with God and avoid the distractions that may arise throughout the day.
More so, it strengthens us and gives us the perspective we need to face challenges. When we begin our day by first conversing with God, we are reminded that we are not alone and that God is with us every step of the way.
What Does the Bible Say About Praying Early in the Morning?
The following are Bible verses about praying early in the morning:
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Because of your great love, I can come into your house; I can worship in your holy Temple and bow down to you in reverence. Lord, I have so many enemies! Lead me to do your will; make your way plain for me to follow.
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.
But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning, my prayer comes before you.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Photo by Pixabay on pexels.com
15 Benefits of Early Morning Prayer
Why is it good to pray early in the morning? What are the benefits of praying early? These and more are some of the questions people often ask.
Here are 15 benefits of early morning prayer:
-
Established Connection with God.
Connecting with God is an essential benefit of early morning prayer. By spending time with God first thing in the morning, we establish a deeper connection with Him that lasts throughout the day.
Our relationship with God becomes more intimate as we open our hearts to Him in prayer. This connection helps us maintain a positive attitude, have more faith, and experience peace amid chaos.
-
It Positions to Receive God’s blessings.
Early morning prayer allows us to connect with God before the distractions and demands of the day take over. This time of stillness and focused attention on God helps us to deepen our relationship with Him and experience His presence more fully.
By making early morning prayer a regular practice, we position ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s blessing throughout the day. Psalm 5:3, NIV – In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
-
It Gives Our Thoughts Better Clarity.
Early morning prayer gives better clarity to our thoughts, actions, and decisions. By focusing on God and His word before the busyness of the day sets in, we gain a clearer perspective on what’s truly important and align our priorities accordingly.
This clarity also helps us navigate difficult situations with wisdom and discernment. As Psalm 5:3 says – In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
-
It Improves Mood.
One of the benefits of early morning prayer is an improved mood throughout the day. It allows us to focus on what truly matters and puts things into perspective.
Early morning prayer helps us start the day off on the right foot and can give us the strength and encouragement to tackle any challenges that may arise.
Even studies have shown that starting the day with prayer can improve mood and reduce stress levels. This is because prayer helps us release our worries and anxieties to God and trust in His provision and care.
-
It Increases Our Faith.
When we start our day with prayer, we invite God to be a part of our lives, which can strengthen our relationship with Him.
This practice can help us rely more on God’s guidance and trust His plan. Consistent early morning prayer strengthens our faith and trust in God even more deeply.
It also helps us recognize His hand at work in all aspects of our lives, which gives us the confidence to face whatever challenges come our way.
-
It Fills Us with Peace.
One of the most significant benefits of early morning prayer is the peace it fills us with. When we pray before the start of our day, we allow His peace to fill us and set the tone for the rest of the day.
This peace comes from knowing that we are not alone and that God is with us, guiding and protecting us. This often leads to increased mental and emotional clarity, decreased anxiety, and a more centered and grounded approach to life.
-
It Improves Self-discipline.
By waking up early and dedicating time to prayer, we train our minds and bodies to prioritize important activities and resist distractions.
Proverbs 25:28, NIV says – Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
In other words, by practicing self-discipline through early morning prayer, we develop resilience in other aspects of our lives.
-
It Increases Our Sense of Gratitude.
Early morning prayer increases our gratitude as we reflect on God’s many blessings and thank Him for them.
It also helps us cultivate a heart and habit of thanksgiving. This shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. Lastly, it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
-
It Provides Divine Guidance in Decision Making.
Praying early in the morning leads to divine guidance in decision-making. When we seek God’s will and direction in prayer before the start of our day, we open ourselves up to His guidance.
As Proverbs, NIV 3:6 says – In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Also, by making prayer a regular part of our morning routine, we invite God into our decision-making process and allow Him to guide us toward His will.
This often leads to greater peace, confidence, and clarity as we go about our daily endeavors.
-
It Leads to Increased Compassion.
When we start our day with prayer, we are more likely to extend grace and kindness to those around us.
As Romans 12:15, NIV says – Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. This is because as we spend time in prayer, we become more attuned to the needs of others.
-
It Leads to Spiritual Growth.
Early morning prayer often leads to spiritual growth by creating a consistent habit of spending time with God. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, gain a deeper understanding of our faith, and become more spiritually mature.
It also helps align our thoughts with God’s will for our lives, leading to more incredible spiritual transformation. Overall, the discipline of early morning prayer helps us grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
-
It Fills Us with Purpose.
Morning prayer helps provide a greater sense of purpose by allowing us to start our day with direction.
By seeking divine wisdom and guidance through prayer, we align our goals and priorities with God’s will for our lives, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also increases motivation and focus, allowing us to approach our daily tasks with renewed strength.
-
Courage to Persevere in the Face of Adversity.
Early morning prayer fills us with greater resilience to face life’s challenges. It also provides peace, comfort, and strength that help us bounce back from difficult situations.
In addition, praying early in the morning sets a positive tone for the day ahead and helps us face any obstacles with renewed courage.
When we regularly connect with God through morning devotion, we can better trust in God’s plan for our lives and find the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. Psalm 55:17 – Evening, morning…… I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
-
It allows Us to Seek Wisdom for Living.
As we pray to Him before the start of our day, we receive the wisdom that gives us divine direction throughout the day. We also gain a greater understanding of His will for our lives as we align ourselves with His purposes and seek His perspective on the issues we face or will face.
Proverbs 2:6, NIV says – For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. By seeking wisdom for our daily lives through early morning prayer, we experience His guidance and blessings in all areas of our lives.
-
It Impacts Our Relationships Positively.
Early morning prayer has a significant positive impact on our relationships. Starting the day with prayer helps us seek guidance in our interactions with others. Praying for our loved ones and those we may have conflicts with turns things around in our relationships.
This can lead to improved communication, deeper connections, and more harmonious relationships. It also allows us to focus on gratitude, forgiveness, and love. In other words, making prayer a regular part of our morning routine is a powerful tool for cultivating strong and healthy relationships.
Early morning prayer is a powerful spiritual practice with benefits far more than these fifteen outlined. Hence, you should make this spiritual discipline a regular part of your routine.
The truth is, while prayer can be done at any time, praying early in the morning is a more powerful way to start our day and strengthen our relationship with God.
Summary
While there’s no specific time or place to pray, there’s something special about praying early in the morning.
From improved focus and productivity to a deeper connection with God, we have seen benefits of early morning prayer; why it’s good to pray early, and how prayer in the morning can transform both our day and our relationship with God.
Photo by Thiều Hoàng Phước on pexels.com
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I thank God in the morning?
Starting the day with gratitude to God can help set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Here are a few ways to thank God in the morning:
- Begin with prayer, thanking God for another day of life and for His faithfulness.
- Read a daily devotional or a portion of Scripture that highlights gratitude and thankfulness.
- Meditate on God’s goodness and mercy, and thank Him for His blessings in your life.
- Sing a worship song or hymn that expresses your gratitude and adoration for God.
- Take a moment to journal your thoughts and thanksgiving to God.
Gratitude is a choice and a discipline that takes practice. So, make it a habit to start each day with a grateful heart and a thankful attitude toward God.
-
Which Psalm is for morning prayer?
There are several Psalms that are appropriate for morning prayer. These Psalms can help set the tone for the day and remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Some of the Psalms that are commonly used for morning prayer include Psalm 5, which is a prayer for guidance and protection; Psalm 63, which expresses a longing for God’s presence; and Psalm 143, which is a plea for mercy and guidance.
Each of these Psalms can be a helpful and encouraging way to start the day in prayer and reflection.
-
What is the most powerful morning prayer?
The most powerful morning prayer is one that comes from the heart and is rooted in a deep desire to connect with God.
There are many different prayers that can be used to start the day, but the most important thing is to approach God with a humble and open heart.
Some popular morning prayers include the Lord’s Prayer and the Prayer of Jabez. However, the most powerful prayer is one that is personalized and reflects your unique relationship with God.
-
What are the spiritual hours for prayer?
6 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, 12 am, 2 am, and 3 am are spiritually significant hours for prayer. However, Scripture encourages us to pray without ceasing and make prayer a priority in our lives.
Jesus also taught His disciples to pray in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Whichever case, the key is to prioritize prayer and make it a consistent part of our daily routine.
