by Rev. Sunday Bwanhot
“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.
Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and empowered to live as Jesus lived. But getting up early while it is still dark as Jesus did is very difficult because of the flesh that wants to dominate the Spirit. I have seen people jogging between 4am and 5am. People who start work at 6am and have long commute have no problem adjusting to waking up very early. Anything that is very important gets executed.
Connecting with God through prayer as Jesus did should be the topmost priority of every believer. The flesh will give every imaginable excuse for us to skip the early morning prayer. Satan, using the flesh will whisper words like: You are tired, you still need more sleep, you can do it anytime, don’t be too legalistic about it. If you resist Satan and get up early to pray. he will come around again and suggest that you stay in your bed and have your prayer time. You know where this will end. Early morning prayer is an expression of our deep longing and love for the Lord. It is a declaration that we are thankful for a new day and a petition that we cannot take one step or go one minute into this new day without His help.
Don’t wait until your day is messed up before you call on Him for aid. Practice the discipline of prayer before daybreak and experience greater victories.
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is EMS/SIM Missionary. He serves as Team leader of SIM Culture Connexions; Pastors of ECWA Chicago and ECWA USA DCC Chairman.
