Watches of the night

In ancient Israel, time was marked by the "watches" of the day and night. We see these watches referred to throughout scripture. We learn that guards, known as watchmen, were stationed on high walls or in watchtowers. They watched for those approaching their cities.


The watchmen protected their towns from surprise enemy attacks and other dangers, but also watched for those bringing good news, news of victory. Being "the one who looks out" or"the one who watches" was vital to the safety and security of the people residing within the walls.


The watchmen not only watched; they were also called to pray.

"O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually.

Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord."

Isaiah 62:6-7


As they prayed they also kept watch for God's response.

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post.

There, I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my concerns."

Habakkuk 2:1-2


As we approach Easter, I would like to invite us, as a church, to be watchmen. Our watches will take place during the set hours of the ancient watch shifts. On Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m. we will begin our self-guided watches, a prayer vigil.


Position yourselves somewhere in your home that will serve as your metaphorical watchtower as you pray. During each watch, we will consider something Jesus prayed and ponder it. We will have an opportunity to dig deeper, read additional scriptures, and pray written prayers. The sections in this guide will serve as your roadmap.


On the night Jesus celebrated his last earthly Passover, knowing he would be leaving the daily, face-to-face relationship he had with his disciples, he washed their feet, and he prayed the prayer found in John 17.


Our vigil, our "watching and praying" will include excerpts from that prayer and others Jesus prayed.


John Marshall

Senior Pastor, FBC Plainfield

Foundational Prayer

First Watch   6 p.m. - 9 p.m.


DuringJesus' last Passover meal, he prayed,

"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

John 17:1-3


This First Watch lays the foundation for knowing God and seeking God's direction during our vigil. This vital first watch opens the lines of communication between us and God.


Ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Seek understanding from God's Word. Use this time to meditate on scriptures that reveal God's nature, character, promises, and plans for our lives and the world. Pray for those who are in need, persecuted, or suffering.


To meditate means to take your time. Ponder what the scripture might mean on a surface and deeper level.

  

  • Does it reveal something about God?
  • Does it reveal something about us?
  • Does it connect to other things in scripture?
  • How is it relevant for today?
  • Might there be something new in the Spirit wants to reveal to you through this scripture?

Take your time.


Go Deeper

  • Make a list of specific needs and concerns that are on your heart.
  • Pray for each item, asking God to reveal His will in every situation.
  • Ask God to help you become more aware of your emotions and learn to address them with His love and grace.
  • Pray for discernment and guidance to seek and serve Him faithfully.
  • Ask for guidance and wisdom in navigating through life's choices.
  • Pray that God will reveal His plans and purposes to you in a clear way.


Scripture Verses


"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

Psalms 119:105


"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6


Prayers


Heavenly Father, thank you that your love and grace are unending and never failing. As we enter this watch, help us be aware of what we are feeling and needing in this moment so we can bring those to you in prayer. Give us discernment as we seek to obey what you have taught us, and give us strength to confront any evil attack or temptation through this night.

In Jesus' name, Amen.


Almighty God, thank you for your promises and plans for our lives. Help us to remain steadfast and trust your will even when we don't understand. We seek to know you more intimately and desire that your ways become ours. Provide us with clarity as we seek your guidance each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.


intercessory prayer

Second Watch: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.


The Second Watch involves intercession. This time will be

spent praying for our families, our church family, and all those around us. We seek God's divine intervention in every area of life and ask for the removal of any spiritual obstacles hindering us and others from living a life of purpose and fulfillment.


JESUS PRAYED:

"I will remain in the world no longer,

but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.

Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name

- the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one."

John 17:11

Go Deeper

  •   Pray, in Jesus' name for God's protection over your family, friends, church, missionaries, co-workers, community, and world
  •   Ask for supernatural strength during times of temptation and trial.
  •   Seek out divine wisdom from the Holy Spirit to make wise decisions.
  •   Intercede on behalf of those who are suffering or hurting around the world.

Scripture Verses


"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "T will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."

Psalms 91:14-15


"Fearnot, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

Isaiah 41:10


"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." 

James 5:16b


Prayers


Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of meeting with you through prayer. As we give our lives to you and your cause, we ask for your divine protection to cover us in all areas. Give us the courage and strength to live for you and trust your promises.

In your powerful name we pray. Amen.


Almighty King, thank you for being our protector in times of trouble and our provider at all times. We pray now, as Jesus taught us to, for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven so all people everywhere may experience your love, your salvation, your goodness, and your grace. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.


Spiritual Warfare Prayer

Third Watch: 12 a.m.— 3 a.m.


The Third Watch is referred to as "the hour God hears." It was during this watch of the night that jesus was betrayed and arrested.


In Christian folklore, (not in the Bible), this period is sometimes referred to as "the devil's hour", a time of great demonic activity. For us, it is a time of prayer against spiritual warfare around us.


During this watch, we pray for God's intervention, wisdom, and protection in combatting evil across the globe and in our own lives. We ask for God to equip all who call on Him with supernatural strength and perseverance during times of temptation, betrayal, or difficulty.


We remember that:

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12


JESUS PRAYED:

"While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by the name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:12,15


Go Deeper

  •   Pray for breakthroughs in your relationship with God and in areas of your life.
  •   Pray for protection from all forms of evil in the spiritual and physical realm.
  •   Ask for supernatural strength to stay grounded in God's love and focused on God's will.
  •   Pray for divine intervention and revelation.

Scripture Verses


"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and *bulwark. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day."

Psalms 91:4-5

*A bulwark is a defensive structure.


"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12


Prayers


Lord God, we come before you asking for your help in knowing how to fight in the heavenly realm, and, as Jesus prayed, protection from the evil one. We pray for wisdom in dealing with our spiritual enemies and we pray, as Jesus taught us to, for any perceived physical enemies. From Isaiah 54:17, we ask that no weapon formed against us be able to prosper. Lead us into a deeper understanding of your will so we can make wise choices and remain steadfast in our faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Almighty Father, thank you for being our refuge and strength when life gets hard or uncertain. We lift every fear or worry to you and know that we will find peace and strength in your presence. Please help us to have faith even when things seem impossible. Thank you for being our protector and provider. Give us the courage and wisdom to know how to fight against evil forces in this world and the courage to stand against the enemy's schemes. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.


prophetic prayer

Fourth Watch: 3 a.m.—6 a.m.


On the night of Jesus' arrest, these Fourth Watch hours were when Peter, overcome by fear, denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. For us, this Fourth Watch will be a declaration of God's word and a prayer for prophetic empowerment as we enter the day. Ask God to reveal His plans for today and the future.


JESUS PRAYED:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe through their message that all of them may be one.

Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23


Go Deeper

  •   Pray for the Lord to go before you and give you words to say.
  •   Pray for divine revelation to understand unity and what it means to be one.
  •   Seek supernatural wisdom so the world will believe.
  •   Pray that God's will be done on earth as in heaven, so all can experience His love, goodness, and grace.

Scripture Verses


"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 

Deuteronomy 31:8


"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 

1 Peter 5:7


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Jeremiah 29:11


Prayers


Lord God, we come before you, asking for guidance and direction.

We ask you for revelation and an understanding of your plans for our lives and our purpose. Help us to make wise decisions that align with your will and bring glory to your name. Help us Lord be "one" with other believers as you want us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Heavenly Father, thank you for your astounding grace and mercy that are new every morning. Help us boldly understand your promises so we can live in the fullness of all you have planned for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.


petition prayer

Fifth Watch: 6 a.m.-ga.m.


A petition prayer is a prayer that brings to God our needs and the needs of others. In this Fifth Watch, we will pray petitions for strength and surrender. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you start your day. Consider, as well, how Jesus stood in the face of opposition during these hours as he faced the Sanhedrin, the court of Herod, and Pilate himself.


JESUS PRAYED:

"Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Luke 23:24


This is a beautiful example of a petition prayer-

Jesus asking for the forgiveness of those crucifying him. He saw their need and asked God to forgive them.


Go Deeper

  •   Pray that God's tangible presence will remain in all our lives so we can live according to His will.
  •   Seek God's guidance, protection, and favor in endeavors taken for his glory.
  •   Pray for a deeper understanding of spiritual truths to keep us rooted in faith.
  •   Pray for our enemies as Jesus taught us:
    "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:44-45

Scripture Verses


“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13


"But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31


"/Look] to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Hebrews 12:2


Prayers


Lord God, we come to you in humility, acknowledging we need your help as we begin another day. Help us remain focused in our walk with you so we can stay true to your will. Fill us with your Spirit so we can be empowered to fulfill our purpose. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Almighty Father, thank You for being our strength and refuge in times of need. We ask for courage to face any obstacles that come our way. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We trust the Spirit to be with us and guide us throughout this day. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

thanksgiving prayer

Sixth Watch: 9a.m. —12 p.m.


In this Sixth Watch, we remember Jesus' walking the road of suffering (Via Dolorosa) as he headed toward his crucifixion. We remember this demonstration of the lengths to which God will go to restore us to Himself and this love beyond our wildest imagination on full display.


We thank God for the depth of his love and the joy of being able to live in a fully restored, relationship with him knowing we are totally accepted and unconditionally loved just as we are.


JESUS PRAYED:

"Righteous Father, though the world doesn't know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:25-26


Go Deeper

  •   Pray for a deeper understanding of what Jesus' crucifixion means for us and the world.
  •   Pray for the faith to believe that we are totally and fully loved by God today and forever.
  •   Pray for awareness of opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus to others today.

Scripture Verses


"[We give] thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Ephesians 5:20


"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13


"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17


Prayers


Lord, you loved us enough to lay your life down for us and call us friends. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Almighty Father, thank you for being our source of hope and strength. We are deeply grateful that you are with us through every situation no matter what life throws our way. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us. Thank you for your constant presence and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Heavenly Father, we come before You, praising Your holy name. Thank You for blessing us with abounding love and grace each day of our lives. Thank you for showing us more than just your love for us, but also the way for us to love others.

In Jesus' name. Amen.


surrender prayer

Seventh Watch: 12 p.m. —3 p.m.


The Seventh Watch is one of surrender. We humble ourselves in submission to God, letting God and God's love be the authority and guiding force in our lives. We pray to be resolute, determined, and committed to trusting the Lord and following our King.


JESUS PRAYED:

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'

When he had said this, he breathed his last." Luke 23:46


Go Deeper

  • Pray for the courage to trust God when it is hard.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the things we are not trusting God with and reveal the substitutes we are holding on to instead. 
  • Ask God for wisdom in how to deal with the distractions and busyness in our lives.

Scripture Verses


"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!"

Psalm 91:1-2


"He trusts in the Lord; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him since he delights in him."

Psalm 22:8


Prayers


Lord God, thank you for coming to us as Jesus, fully man and fully God. Thank you for revealing your true character, and love, and restoring us to yourself. Thank you for destroying the powers of sin and death through your death and resurrection so we can have a relationship with you and eternal life through you. Help us to understand the power of your death and resurrection and what it means for humankind so that we can live more fully in your presence and draw others to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Heavenly Father, you are our refuge and strength at all times.

Remind us, through your Spirit within us, to take time to reflect on your goodness and mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Heavenly Father, thank you for being our Abba who listens to our prayers and gives us hope and strength for each day. We know we can always come to you. Thank you for that always-open door. Help us draw closer to you as we pray today and reflect on the cross and your great love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

final watch

3 p.m.


"The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, 'Surely this was a righteous man. When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance and kept watch."

Luke 23:47-49


The Roman Centurion saw Jesus die and recognized something remarkable had happened leading him to see and praise God. Those who didn't know Jesus well, but came to see Jesus die, acknowledged something sorrowful and profound had happened and then walked away.


But, those present who loved Jesus saw him die and stayed. They kept watch. In their grief, they kept watch. In their confusion, they kept watch They didn't know what was coming next, they only knew the moment they were in, and they kept watch.


Enter into that moment with them. Ponder what it felt like. Sit with them. Watch with them. Wait with them.


*I wait for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Psalm 130:6


Go Deeper

  • Pray for a deeper understanding of what Jesus' crucifixion means for us and the world.
  • Pray for the faith to believe that we are totally and fully loved by God today and forever.
  • Pray for awareness of opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus to others today.

Scripture Verses


*We give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5:20


"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." 

John 15:13


"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17


Prayers


Lord, you loved us enough to lay your life down for us and call us friends. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Almighty Father, thank you for being our source of hope and strength. We are deeply grateful that you are with us through every situation no matter what life throws our way. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us. Thank you for your constant presence and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Heavenly Father, we come before You, praising Your holy name. Thank You for blessing us with abounding love and grace each day of our lives. Thank you for showing us more than just your love for us, but also the way for us to love others. In Jesus name. Amen.