The Fourth Watch - A Call to Pray



Do you suddenly wake up between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning? If so, God may be trying to speak to you. 

There is great significance in waking up between the hours of three and six in the morning. This time frame is what was known during the times of Jesus Christ as the fourth watch of the night. It is a time frame known to be of powerful spiritual significance.

During the time of Jesus Christ, the Romans divided the night into four watches. The first being from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the second being from 9:00 PM to Midnight, the third being from Midnight to 3:00 AM  and the fourth from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM. 

Throughout history there have been many examples of miracles happening during the early morning hours.

  • The Israelites were freed from bondage.

  • Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea

  • Angels appeared to the shepherds 

  • Jesus and Peter walked on water

  • Jesus Christ was resurrected


These are just a few examples of miracles that happened during this time frame. During the fourth watch, battles have been won, miracles have been performed and lives have been changed.

Jesus himself teaches us by example, of the importance of praying during the fourth watch in Matthew 14: 23-25.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.


Jesus also taught in Luke 12:35-40

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.


Jesus instructs us to be ready and watching. 


Many Jewish scholars believe that the fourth watch is when God walks the earth checking on his creation.  


During the fourth watch there is great spiritual power that is poured out from God to those that are watching and listening. Prayer during this time can be powerful and effective. It is a time of peace and quiet with no distractions. It is a time when you can hear the word of the Lord with clarity and be led by the Holy Spirit. 


Next time you wake up in the early morning hours for no apparent reason, instead of going back to sleep, consider that you may be being called to prayer. May we all be like Samuel and say “Here am I, for thou didst call me. Speak for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:6&10)


May God lead, guide and direct you on your path. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Have you had a Fourth Watch experience you would like to share? Email the experience to me at fourthwatchchristians@gmail.com so that I may share it with others.


- James Lowe

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