The bible speaks of watches and there is a set or appointed time for the Lord to move. As I was in study I found an article about the “Eight Prayer Watches” here are a few things I would like to share from an article.
In James 5:16 (NIV), we are told that the “prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” As we pray, we stand watch over our families, cities, and nations. Just as men stood on city walls in the Bible to watch for approaching danger, God calls us to be modern-day watchmen and warn those who are in danger (2 Kings 9:17 – 18). We are to watch not only for the enemy’s activity but also for the manifestation of God’s plans. If we watch for the enemy and announce his activity, we can avert the devil’s plans to steal, kill and destroy what God has for us. Jesus said in Matthew 24:43, “But know this, if the good man 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.”
Today more than ever, it is important that we pray and seek the mind of the Lord: The Bible speaks of “watches,” which are specific times of the day or night. There are basically eight watches covering 24 hours. This is because everyone has a prayer watch, even though they may not know it. This is why you may find yourself repeatedly praying at specific times of the day or evening. If you have ever been awakened during the night or are wondering why you are being led to pray at specific times, it is probably because God wants you to pray or intercede for someone. Every prayer watch has a purpose.
First Watch (The Evening Watch from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.)
A Time of Quiet Reflection
Jesus used the Evening Watch to go aside and pray (Matthew 14:15-23). After the business of the day is a time to release anxieties to the Lord before going to sleep. This is a time to meditate on God’s Word. Meditation quiets our emotions, realigns our mind, and frees our will to do the will of God.
Prayer decrees for this prayer watch: Father, in the name of Jesus,
I am Your child by faith in Christ Jesus, and I renew my covenant commitment to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. Through Jesus Christ, I am Abraham’s descendant and inheritor of the covenant blessings You promised to Abraham (Galatians 3:26, 27, 29).
You have put Your laws in my mind, and You have written them on my heart. You are my God and I belong to You. You will forgive my wickedness and You will never again remember my sins (Hebrews 8:10, 12).
Your Word is like a lamp that guides my steps and a light that shows the path I should take. (Psalm 119:105).
Second Watch (from 9:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.)
During this watch, intercessors are able to impact the spiritual realm before the enemy gets ready to wreak havoc. Psalm 119:62 says, “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous judgments.”
It was at the midnight hour that God struck down the first-born of Egypt, which resulted in His people being released from captivity and set free to worship Him. This watch is a time when God deals with the enemies that are trying to keep us from entering into His perfect plan for our lives.
Prayer Decrees for This Prayer Watch:
Father, in the name of Jesus, You save me from my enemies. You protect me from those who come me. You save me from those who do evil and from murderers. You are my God and my strength, I am looking to You because You are my defender. You love me and You go in front of me. You will help me defeat my enemies. (Psalm 59: 1, 10)
I rebuke and loose myself and my family from all evil curses, spells, incantations, psychic powers, or sorcery that have attached itself to me or my family line. I declare all these curses are null and void.
Third Watch (The Breaking of Day Watch from 12:00 A.M. to 3:00 A.M.)
This is a period of much spiritual activity. This watch hour will strengthen your faith. It is the same time that Peter denied Christ three times. (Matthew 26: 34, 74; Mark 144:30; Luke 22:34; John 13:38).
The Witching Hour: This watch is the darkest and most demonic part of the night, especially at midnight. Witches, warlocks, and Satanists have fun and start their incantations during this part of the night. The devil operates at this time because this is the time that men are in a deep sleep and there are not as many people praying to oppose him (1 Kings 3:20). This watch calls for seasoned intercessors.
Time to set your day before it begins this is a powerful watch to be on when commanding the morning and setting things in place before the devil and his demons have a chance to ruin it. Time for spiritual warfare this is the time to awake out of sleep and confront every storm of destruction and distraction that is robbing you of God’s blessings and provisions on your life. Time to strengthen yourself spiritually and seek direction be vigilant during this time and watch for God’s revelation for breakthrough and for His plans and purposes for your life and territory.
Prayer Decrees for this prayer watch:
Father, I plead the blood of Jesus against all demons of the night, nightmares, torment, and sleeplessness. Father, I ask that you protect my mind while I sleep. In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord will keep me safe. (Psalms 4:8) Father, by the blood of Jesus and the power of His Name, I spoil every attack of the enemy. I cancel and forcefully oppose any satanic operations and strategies which are designed to hinder and prevent Your plans and purpose for my life from manifesting.
Fourth Watch (The Morning Watch from 3:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.)
This fourth watch is always important because this is the last watch of the night. This watch is the time that satanic agents who went out to perform their activities are returning to their bases. This is the time of the morning when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12 and 14). This is also the time Jesus walked on the water to help the disciples who were caught in the storm (Matthew 14:25-33). 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.”
Prayer Decrees for this prayer watch:
Father, in Jesus’ Name…
You have gone before me to prepare my way, to make the crooked way straight, and to make the rough way smooth. Father, I entrust my work to You and You cause my plans to succeed and everything I set my hands to do prospers (Proverbs 16:3). Father, today I have favor with all who look upon me and Your favor makes a circle around me, enclosing me and covering me like a shield. You will work out Your plans for my life because Your faithful love endures forever.
Fifth Watch (The Early Morning Watch from 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.)
Time that God strengthens Christians (Acts 2:15; Psalm 2:7-9)
The spiritual significant of sunrise is having Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, rise over us (Malachi 4:2). During this watch, pray for such issues as healing in your body, relationships, family, government, and the economy. Time for the Holy Spirit to prepare us for service (2 Corinthians 9:30; Ephesians 4:12)
Prayer Decrees for this watch:
Father, in the name of Jesus…
This day I entrust my work to You and I know my plans will work out well because I can do everything You ask me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 16:3)
Because I reverence Your Name, Your goodness shines on me like the sun with healing in its rays. (Malachi 4:2)
Sixth Watch (9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.)
Time to see God’s promises fulfilled
This is a time to watch for the Word of the Lord to be fulfilled in your life. This is also the time to receive the supply of all resources needed for every project God has assigned you to fulfill (Exodus 12:35-36). This was the time that the Israelites got everything that they had to use to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Pray for the provision to accomplish whatever God wants you to do. Time to reflect on the power of the Cross (healing, prosperity, forgiveness, strength) During this time, Christ was sentenced and crucified at the third hour, or 9:00 A.M. (Mark 15:25, Matthew 27:45).
Prayer Decrees for this prayer watch:
Father, in Jesus’ Name…
I entrust my work to You this day and I know my plans will work out well. I can do everything You ask me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 16:3)
Because I reverence Your Name, Your goodness shines on me like the sun with healing in its rays. (Malachi 4:2)
The Seventh Watch (12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.)
Midday is an hour of rest and a time to seek the Lord. During this watch, Christ was on the Cross atoning for the sins of the world and restoring man’s relationship with God. Time of the Secret Place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1) it is very important to pray in line with Acts 10:9 and Psalm 91:5, 6, and 14.
Prayer Decrees for this prayer watch: Father, because Christ lives in me, His light shines through me, and I live so that people will see the good things I do and praise You in heaven. (Matthews 5:16)
Eighth Watch (3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
The Hour of Dying to Self and Rejoicing in the Power of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ died on the cross during this watch. (3:00 P.M.) He took on the sins of man so that we can be reconciled to God through the His Blood.
Prayer Decrees for this prayer watch:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
I give myself completely to You. I am a tool in Your hands, to be used for Your good purposes. Sin has no power over me because I am no longer tied to the law where sin enslaves me, but I am free under Your favor and mercy. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6: 13-14).
You have begun a good work within me and You will continue to help me grow in Your grace until Your task within me is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns. (Philippians 1:6) These watches are powerful when we read the scripture that go with each one. It is my prayer that the Lord bless you as you partake in the Prayer ministry of the PUSH Network!
