Rising early is mentioned in the Bible as a time for prayer and seeking God. Today, we’ll uncover the spiritual and practical benefits of starting our day with a focus on Him.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Early Marriage
What Does The Bible Say About Early Rising
Proverbs 6:9-11
“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
This verse serves as a warning against laziness and the consequences that come with it. It emphasizes the importance of being diligent and not wasting time in idleness.
By highlighting the negative outcomes of laziness, such as poverty and scarcity, this verse encourages individuals to rise early and utilize their time wisely.
Psalm 5:3
“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Here, the psalmist acknowledges the power of approaching God in the morning. By rising early and seeking the Lord’s presence, we can bring our requests to Him and anticipate His response.
This verse encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual connection with God by starting the day in prayer and seeking His guidance.
Mark 1:35
“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.”
Jesus Himself set an example of rising early and finding solitude to pray. This verse highlights the importance of a personal and intimate relationship with God through morning prayer.
By imitating Christ’s practice, believers can strengthen their faith and commune with God in the stillness of the morning.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This verse reminds us that despite the hardships we may face, joy and rejoicing will come in the morning. It offers hope and assurance that God’s favor and blessings are abundant.
By rising early, we can embrace each new day with a sense of joy and gratitude, knowing that God is faithful and His mercies are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
This verse beautifully illustrates God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. It reminds us that His mercies are renewed every morning, and His compassion never fails.
By rising early and acknowledging this truth, we can approach each day with a renewed sense of hope and trust in God’s faithfulness.
1 Samuel 17:20
“Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up, and set out, as Jesse had directed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry.”
In this verse, David’s early rising allowed him to be prepared and in the right place at the right time. His promptness positioned him to engage in the battle against Goliath.
This verse encourages individuals to rise early and be ready for the opportunities and challenges that may come their way.
Psalm 119:147-148
“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s dedication to seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. By rising early and meditating on God’s promises, they express their reliance on His Word.
It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual growth and seek God’s help and guidance before the activities of the day.
Mark 16:2
“Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb.”
The women in this verse demonstrated their devotion and dedication by rising early to visit Jesus’s tomb. Their commitment to honor Him showcases the importance of early rising for spiritual purposes.
By imitating their example, believers can demonstrate their love for Christ and their willingness to seek Him diligently.
Psalm 130:5
“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.”
This verse highlights the act of waiting on the Lord with hope and expectation. By rising early, believers can set aside time to wait upon God and renew their trust in Him.
It emphasizes the importance of starting the day by aligning our hearts and minds with His Word.
Acts 5:21
“At daybreak, they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.”
The apostles’ commitment to early rising demonstrates their eagerness to fulfill their mission of preaching and teaching the Gospel. This verse highlights the value of starting the day with a sense of purpose and dedication to spreading God’s Word.
It encourages believers to utilize the morning hours to engage in acts of service and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you, I entrust my life.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s desire to seek God’s guidance and experience His love each morning. By rising early, believers can earnestly pray for God to reveal His unfailing love and direct their paths.
It reminds us to surrender our lives to God and trust Him to lead us in the way we should go.
Mark 1:32
“That evening after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.”
While this verse doesn’t explicitly address early rising, it presents an interesting contrast. The people in the verse brought their needs to Jesus after sunset, indicating a sense of urgency and desperation.
While it may not always be feasible to rise early, this verse suggests that seeking help and healing from Jesus should be a priority regardless of the time of day.
Isaiah 50:4
“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
This verse depicts the prophet Isaiah’s awareness of God’s guidance and instruction each morning. It conveys the importance of starting the day with a listening ear and a teachable spirit.
By rising early, believers can position themselves to receive divine wisdom and be a source of encouragement and comfort for those who are weary.
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
By acknowledging that each day is a gift from the Lord, this verse encourages believers to greet the morning with a heart full of joy and gratitude.
Rising early provides an opportunity to consciously embrace the day as a new beginning and approach it with an attitude of celebration and gladness.
Jeremiah 7:13
“While you were doing all these things, declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer.”
In this verse, God laments the disobedience and lack of response from His people. It serves as a reminder that we should not neglect or ignore His voice.
By rising early, we can create a space for hearing God’s voice, listening to His instructions, and responding with obedience and attentiveness.
Luke 24:1
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.”
In this verse, the women went to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning to anoint His body. Their actions demonstrate their devotion and desire to honor Him.
It reminds us to prioritize our worship and reverence for Christ by rising early and dedicating ourselves to His service.
1 Kings 18:36
“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: ‘LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.’”
This verse portrays Elijah’s faithfulness in rising early for the time of sacrifice and his prayer to God. It demonstrates the importance of beginning our day with a posture of obedience and surrender to God’s will.
By rising early and communing with God, we can align our hearts and actions with His plans and purposes.
Job 1:5
“When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning, he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom.”
Job’s practice of rising early to make burnt offerings for his children reveals his commitment to intercede on their behalf and ensure their spiritual well-being.
In a similar way, believers can rise early to pray for their loved ones and diligently seek God’s favor and protection over them.
Ecclesiastes 11:6
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
This verse encourages a proactive approach to life and work. By rising early and diligently sowing our efforts, we leave room for God’s blessings and potential success.
It prompts believers to seize the opportunities presented by each new day and be diligent in their pursuits.
Psalm 55:17
“Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”
The psalmist’s consistent cries to God throughout the day reflect their reliance on Him during every season of life.
By rising early, believers can establish a consistent pattern of seeking God’s intervention and guidance, knowing that He hears and answers their prayers.
Matthew 28:1
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”
This verse describes Mary Magdalene and the other Mary’s early morning visit to the tomb of Jesus. Their unwavering dedication and devotion serve as a reminder of the significance of early rising.
It encourages believers to start the day actively seeking Jesus, recognizing His resurrection power, and inviting His presence into their lives.
Psalm 59:16
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
This verse declares the intention to sing praises to God’s strength and love in the morning. It embodies an attitude of gratitude and reliance on God for protection and deliverance.
Rising early allows believers to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and seek refuge in Him, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Proverbs 27:14
“If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.”
This verse serves as a caution against disturbing one’s neighbor with loud blessings early in the morning. It reminds believers to consider and respect the needs of those around them.
While rising early for spiritual purposes is encouraged, we should also prioritize kindness and thoughtfulness towards others.
Isaiah 26:9
“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.”
Here, the prophet Isaiah expresses his longing and desire for God both in the night and in the morning. It exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s presence and righteousness early in the day.
By rising early, believers can foster a deeper spiritual hunger and connect with God’s righteousness.
Luke 21:38
“Every day Jesus was teaching at the temple. But at night, he went out and stayed at the Mount of Olives.”
Although this verse doesn’t explicitly address early rising, it highlights Jesus’s daily routine of teaching at the temple and withdrawing to the Mount of Olives at night.
It suggests the importance of finding moments of solitude and reflection, even if rising early is not always feasible.