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Writer's pictureDeb Miller Robinson

Are you a Watchman for the Lord?




The Four Watches

 

“Therefore, stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the

evening [First Watch], or at midnight [Third Watch], or when the rooster crows [Fourth Watch], or

in the morning lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: stay

awake.” Mark 2:35-37

“Could you men not keep watch for me one hour? he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you will

not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak” Matthew 26:40-41

 

Christians around the world are waking up to the prayer rhythms of heaven. It is significant to

discover the watches of the night and how they coincide with the timing of many key events in

biblical history.

★ God invites us spontaneously into a prayer watch by awakening us during the night.

★ God also invites us to intentionally schedule a night watch of extended prayer.

 

1. First WATCH 6 PM

“Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water

before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to Him for the lives of your children, who faint for

hunger at the head of every street.” Lamentations 2:19

“Proclaim His faithfulness at night.” Psalm 92:2

“And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mountain called Olivet.” Luke 21:37

 

The Evening Watch! The Evening watch begins at 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

“Reordering Your Day”, we find that this is a time that we need to “still” ourselves from the world and to meditate. One of the scriptures for this watch is Genesis 24:63, “Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening. He lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming.” In Isaac’s place of meditation, he saw his future.

We need to meditate until we see our future. Meditation quiets our emotions, realigns our mind, and frees our will to do the will of God. What we could not hear clearly, we begin to hear. Meditation is like a cow chewing her cud. Cows have four stomachs that each mouthful of food must be processed through, until what is being chewed fully enters the bloodstream. This is a season when we must see from the vantage point of the wilderness. When Isaac lifted his eyes, there was Eliezer bringing Rebekah back to be his bride. This actually created the extension of the covenant of Abraham in the earth. During this watch we want to get focused on God’s covenant plan that will bring us through the season of wilderness and out on the other side with a mindset for success.

The first watch is linked with the call of God upon the life of Israel. This is synonymous to the call of God on our life. If we will enter into the watch, then we can see His time of visitation. There is a time of visitation for each one of us. Every nation has a time of visitation. Of course, this verse refers to the nation of Israel but is applicable to each one of us as well.

 

2. Second WATCH 9 PM

“My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.”

Psalm119:148

 

‍The Midnight Watch! This watch begins at 9:00 pm and ends at Midnight. In Reordering Your Day, this is the time for thanksgiving as well as visitation. During this watch God is dealing with the enemies that are trying to keep us from entering into His perfect plan for our lives. Expect some warfare during this watch. Set the Blood of our Lord between you and every demonic force that could hinder you from gaining the revelation you need to advance.

During this watch see the enemies in the wilderness that would try to extend and enlarge our wilderness time, delay their destruction, and obstruct our promises. The second watch is also a time of scattering and we want to gather up all the fragments of what has been scattered. One of the scriptures for this watch is Exodus 11:4, “Then Moses said, ‘Thus says the LORD ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt…..’” As we pray during this watch we want to carry the expectation that the Lord will intervene and deliver us as a triumphant reserve, into our destiny.

The second watch comes when we get scattered. As we can see from the verse above, if we do not watch, then we get scattered. If you never develop a personal discipline of watching, then you will find your life scattered, instead of being ordered. The second watch also represents times of Israel’s scattering.

 

3. Third WATCH 12 Midnight

“At midnight I rise to praise you because of your righteous rules.” Psalm 119:62

“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were

listening to them and suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the

prison were shaken. And immediately all of the doors were open and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.” Acts 16:25-26

‍The Breaking of the Day (Cockcrowing) Watch! From Midnight until 3:00 AM, the focus of the previous watch continues with the additional understanding that there is much spiritual activity occurring during this time period, including our own dream realm. The focus in this Third Watch should be an increase in the communications from the Lord into our dream life. We want to particularly focus our prayer on those that may be growing weary in the wilderness. Peter’s denial of the Lord came during this watch and we want to focus on combating doubt and unbelief, and calling for increased discernment and revelation to recognize and get into the path of the Lord. We want to war with any covenant breaking spirits in our lives and the lives of those occupying the territories we are praying and standing in intercession for. During this watch we want to particularly hear the revelation that will cause us to see our circumstances in a different way.

Recently, I heard the Lord say, “The Midnight Hour is where your victory lies!” In the word of God, midnight could represent the concept of intense darkness or even gloom. However, MIDNIGHT usually meant halfway between dark and the breaking of the light or the middle-point of the night before the light could break through. I believe that is where we are in our lives. When I look at the USA, I believe this describes the time we are living in.

The third watch is linked with the concept of Peter’s denial. The third watch represents the trial of our faith. Instead of watching, Peter hid for fear and the Lord warned that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed. There have been times when Israel, as a nation, has denied the Messiah’s coming. If we will watch prior to the crowing of the cock, our faith will be made strong.

 

4. Fourth WATCH 3 AM

“And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian

forces and threw the Egyptian forces into panic, clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove

heavily. And the Egyptians said ‘Let us flee from before Israel for the Lord fights for them against

the Egyptians.’” Exodus 14:24-25

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a

desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35

“And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.” Matthew 14:25

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark

and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” John 20:1

Good Morning, Lord | 6 AM

Ministering to the presence of the Lord.

“Morning by morning; he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The lord God has

opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.” Isaiah 50:4b-5

“Proclaim his love in the morning.” Psalm 92:2

“So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and the sea returned to its normal course when

the morning appeared and as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the

midst of the sea.” Exodus 14:27

“Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn

it.” Exodus 30:7

★ We have learned to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

★ It may be time to start asking, ”Lord, teach us to watch and pray.”Ignite the Night and Awaken the Dawn!

 Research reveals the Fourth Watch is considered a time of great spiritual power. Miracles are performed, battles are won. The exodus from Egypt happened at that time. Many of the Jewish scholars and people believe it is a time when God walks the earth, checking on His creation.

‍The Morning Watch – A New Day Dawning! Beginning at 3:00 AM and ending at 6:00 AM, this watch is linked with the approaching morning light and the breaking of the day. When daylight comes, your position is exposed to the eyes of the enemy. During this watch, you become covered with the glory of the Lord. Read Exodus 14:24. We want to focus on staying covered in the cloud of His glorious presence by day, while the Lord troubles the forces of resistance aligned against us. In 2 Kings 11, we find a pattern of focus for this watch linked into a new government forming and a royal positioning. One third of the resources were spent watching at the King’s house! One third of the forces were spent watching at the Gate of Sur which means ‘Defectors or those who would turn back’! Finally, one third of the resources were spent watching at the gate as a rear guard! In this way the Lord’s plan for His people was safeguarded because the next move of the King was compassed or surrounded. We want to focus our prayers during this time on watching for the King’s timing for transition, guarding our hearts against defection or discouragement that would cause us to turn back, and rear guarding all those that are praying in the previous watches in the night.

The fourth watch comes during the Lord’s time of revealing His glory. There is a breaking of a new day. This is where the identity of our future is established. Even with all of Israel’s problems throughout history, as a nation they have a wonderful future. They are God’s chosen nation of example. All nations align and reconcile around their relationship with Israel. This watch also represents the power of resurrection as we watch with the Lord. If you will continue to watch with the Lord, then you will experience His glory. There is an ultimate returning of God’s glory to Israel. So this watch progression looks like: In all four watches we will be crying out to the Lord for revelation and advancement of His purposes in us as well as in all of the spheres of influence and assignment we are a part of. 

 

More on the fourth watch:

Are you frequently being wakened between 3 – 6 am?  It may be God calling…

There is strategic significance in praying during the early morning hours. Though many are called to different times of the day or night to pray, prayer/worship during these hours are highly effectual in harnessing God's transforming power.  The fourth watch is defined by the Roman watch as a time spanning from 3am – 6am. Biblically, strategic events take place particularly during the night and early morning hours/watches:

 

• Jacob wrestled with God and met Him face to face just before entering into his destiny as Israel. Genesis 32:22-31

• Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea Exodus 14:25-26

• Gideon defeated the Midianites (middle watch), Judges 7:19-24

• Peter and Jesus walk on water, Matthew 14:25-26

• The angels appear to the shepherds in the field to announce the birth of the savior.  Luke 2:8-14

• Jesus is resurrected from the dead, Matthew 28:1

• The bridegroom woes His bride in the night hours, Song of Solomon, Matthew 25:1-13

 

During the 4th watch there are significant power encounters that make way for the Kingdom of God to penetrate the earth. Such prayers are highly protective and effectual particularly when linked with other watchmen.

 

Jesus warns of the importance of apprehending the purposes of God in prayer/worship during these hours in Luke 12:35-40:"Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

 

Thus, much advance for His Kingdom can be made, even with a few people in agreement, during this strategic time. Corporate and cooperative prayer during the fourth watch is therefore extremely potent in harnessing God's transforming power for our lives, cities, states, and nations.

 

Furthermore, Jesus' parable of the sower and the seed represents a reflection of the night hours and their impact on Kingdom dynamics. After all, it was Jesus who said,"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way," Matthew 13:24-25.  Job 38:12 relays the impact of prayer during these early morning hours to command what happens in the day.  "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?  It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment.  From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken."  If we desire to see His Kingdom advance, perhaps "fasting" sleep will not only be powerful, but help break spiritual slumber off the church so that advance can occur in the day.

 

At first glance, many have said, "I can't do that!  3am – 6am…that's ridiculous," or "I'm not called to it." However, once aware of the significance of the hours, people of all generations find themselves being awakened or provoked during these hours. As they stop the natural instinct to turn over and focus on sleep and instead respond to the call, seek Him, something extraordinary starts to happen.  They find their spiritual muscle being exercised and time well rewarded with Him.  Desire to meet with Him grows and the hours fly by with extraordinary speed.

 

Scriptures promise that if we seek Him, we will find Him, Proverbs 8:17.  Fasting a bit of slumber, allows God's transforming power to work an "awakening" within those who answer the call.  As we respond, the task becomes easier, the insights brighter, the revelation stronger, the Word more empowering.  The world is in great need of "spiritual muscle" to grow, exercise and stand the watches.  In the night hours, as we respond to the call, the light and power of His Presence penetrates us, and we emerge stronger, more focused than before.

 

Jesus repeatedly commands us to "Watch."  (frequently associated with the exhortation, "for we know not the hour,"  e.g. Matthew 24:32, 25:13, Mark 13:9,33-35, Luke 12:38).  "Watch" is mentioned 24 times in the new Testament…all with focus on being alert.  Jesus’ command to watch is mentioned most during His last 3 days on earth.   

 

God is looking for Samuel's today who will respond to Him when the 3am wake-up call comes by saying, "What is it Lord, here am I for you called me," 1 Samuel 3:5.  This is not just an idea but a real provoking of the Holy Spirit upon God's people to ignite spiritual awakening, breakthrough and Kingdom advance in days of increasing darkness and conflict.  Jesus is coming for an alert and ready bride.  Let us be ready with oil in our lamps, Matthew 25:5-7.

 

Fasting a portion of slumber once a week or on a regular basis, is a strategy to awaken the bride to prepare the way. Though He comes when all are sleeping, Matthew 25:5, the virgins with oil in their lamps understood, rose and followed the bridegroom.  Those without oil were too late. Let us be like the wise virgins, ready and waiting with oil in our lamps for the bridegroom when He comes.  He is coming for an alert, ready and prepared bride.

 

The night watch is key to preparing alertness in the heart of His bride, the church.  Even so Lord, come quickly.

 

"Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, 'The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall.  Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there.  Our God will fight for us.'”  

Nehemiah 4:19-20

Command Your Morning

 

Matthew 24:43 says: “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”

The fourth prayer watch is a disciplined prayer watch for those who have the power and training to wake up early in the morning and set the atmosphere. In addition, it is the time for all of the enemy’s plans and strategies to fail. Furthermore, the fourth prayer watch is for gaining territory, establishing the spirit of prosperity and stopping the devil from hijacking blessings and favor.

 


Not only this, but the fourth prayer watch sets our day before it begins. It is an opportunity to set things in place before the devil and his demons have a chance to ruin it. Accidents, deaths, thefts, job loss, and any other acts of the devil can be stopped during this watch when intercessors obey the voice of the Lord and fill the morning with powerful prayers.

"Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, 'The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall.  Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there.  Our God will fight for us.'”


Highlights From:

College Prayer International

Chuck Pierce bk - Reordering Your Day

Global Watch

Rev Fred A. Hartley, III

 

 

Deb Miller Robinson - Eagle Warrior

1-10-2024

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