Praying Early

As is always the case, Jesus points the way for us.  "In the morning while it was very dark, He (Jesus) got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed." (Mark 1:35). I have always heard that those who pray best pray early.  I have learned again and again through reading about some of the spiritual giants that early morning prayers were a regular part of their day.  My head has always shook itself in agreement, but the rest of my body has never really been on board with what is best.   

I find myself too much like those disciples who kept falling asleep when told by Jesus to stay awake.  I have gotten up many an early hour, settled into my place of prayer, and fallen asleep long before it was time for the "Amen."  Many have been the times I have said to the Lord, "Well, at least I fell asleep in the place where obedience took me," but I have never been convinced it was a rationalization which impressed Him.  For those who decide to pray in the early morning, know that there will likely be a battle between body and spirit in the beginning.   

I say "in the beginning" because as our body has time to adjust to a different schedule, the physical part of this discipline will not be so difficult.  Back when I was an avid and dedicated runner, I learned that my commitment to running longer and not as slow directed what I ate, when I went to sleep, what I read, and with who I hung out.  So, here is my guarantee.  Making early morning praying a core commitment will change not only your spiritual life, but will spill over into other areas as well.  Praying early is good for the soul and the body.