Introduction

Early rising has long been esteemed within Christian tradition as a discipline that fosters spiritual growth and devotion. The practice of rising early is seen as a means to dedicate the first part of the day to God, setting a tone of reverence and focus for the hours that follow. This entry explores the biblical basis for early rising as a requisite for devotion, highlighting scriptural examples and teachings that underscore its importance.

Biblical Examples

1. Jesus Christ: The Gospels provide several instances where Jesus exemplifies the practice of early rising for prayer and communion with the Father. In Mark 1:35 , it is recorded, "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This passage illustrates Jesus' commitment to seeking solitude and engaging in prayer before the demands of the day began.

2. King David: The Psalms frequently reflect David's practice of early rising for worship and prayer. Psalm 5:3 states, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." David's example demonstrates a heart eager to connect with God at the start of the day.

3. Abraham: In Genesis 19:27 , we read, "Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD." Abraham's early rising to return to a place of divine encounter signifies the importance of prioritizing time with God.

Theological Significance

Early rising for devotion is not merely a matter of routine but is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of seeking God first. Matthew 6:33 instructs believers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Rising early to engage in prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture is a practical application of this principle, demonstrating a prioritization of spiritual matters over worldly concerns.

Spiritual Benefits

1. Focus and Clarity: Early morning hours are often quieter and free from distractions, providing an ideal environment for focused prayer and reflection. This time allows believers to align their hearts and minds with God's will, seeking His guidance for the day ahead.

2. Discipline and Self-Control: The discipline of early rising cultivates self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). By choosing to rise early, believers exercise mastery over their physical desires, prioritizing spiritual nourishment over additional sleep.

3. Renewed Strength: Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Early rising for devotion can lead to spiritual renewal and strength, equipping believers to face the challenges of the day with divine empowerment.

Practical Considerations

While early rising is a commendable practice, it is important to approach it with grace and flexibility. Individual circumstances, such as health, family responsibilities, and work schedules, may influence one's ability to rise early consistently. The key is to cultivate a heart that seeks God earnestly, whether in the early morning or at another time that allows for undistracted devotion.Psalm 5:3
My voice shall you hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer to you, and will look up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your power; yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning: for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 63:1
O God, you are my God; early will I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 88:13
But to you have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 26:9
With my soul have I desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you early: for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE EARLY CHURCH. ... The rising of a stately building and the advance
on a ... work upon others without remembering that the first requisite is a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... made with hands." Hence there is now rising upon earth ... Holiness is requisite whether
to see the Lord or to ... God shall help her, and that right early." And not ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

The Shadow of Death
... questioning among themselves what the rising again from ... different explanation which
was very early suggested was ... ecstatic feeling which are requisite for these ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... important, was peculiarly required in Bunyan's early days. ... people of God; it will
be requisite, and profitable ... resurrection of the unjust, the rising of their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... It is requisite that God should reserve one day in seven ... It is the day of Christ's
rising from the grave, and ... Christ rose early on this day, before the sun was ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... 2313] ; and immediately afterwards, For from the rising of the sun ... therefore again
be taught what is requisite, if God ... in a year when Easter fell early, as was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... The Church too was then rising after a long and ... Prom his early years he was fiercely
opposed to ... law, both civil and ecclesiastical, which was requisite for the ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

The Anglican Reform
... He had in a marked degree the first requisite for an efficient ... They went back to
the early ages for guidance as to their ... The rising in the Eastern Counties. ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/chapter i the anglican reform.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... the proportion of tin was too slight to give the requisite hardness to ... The very early
existence of ... the ancient kingdoms of the east and the rising states of ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... method for such advantages to the rising generation as ... thereafter, and furnish him
with the requisite instructions, and ... and forward to us, as early as possible ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

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