For this corporate fast, we will be praying during the third watch. This time has such spiritual significance that coincides with the theme of breakthrough and clarity.
Psalm 119:62
At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
Isaiah 42:22
But this is a people plundered and looted; they are all of them trapped in holes and hidden in prisons; they have become plunder with none to rescue, spoil with none to say, “Restore!
Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them...
Exodus 12:29
At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock.
The third prayer watch is a period heightened spiritual activity. It is recorded to be around the same time that Peter denied Christ three times. (Matthew 26:34; Luke 22:34; John 13:38). It’s time of testing, transition and breakthrough.
Matthew 26:34
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
Luke 22:34
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
John 13:38
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
The third watch is the darkest and most demonic part of the night, especially at midnight. Witches, warlocks, and satanists begin their incantations during this part of the night. The accuser 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 and it’s a perfect time to pray for corporate prayer and fasting.
During midnight – 3am when commanding the morning and setting things in place before the accuser has a chance to ruin it. Many other acts of the devil can be stopped during this watch when intercessors obey the voice of the Lord and saturate this time with powerful, Holy Spirit led prayers.
Bullet points about the third watch:
• This is when the deep sleep falls upon men according to Acts 20:7-12. Remember, according to Mathew 13:25, while men slept the enemy went to sow tares. This is, therefore, a period of heightened satanic activities. The devil operates at this time because this is the time that men are asleep and there are not many people praying to oppose him (Mathew 13:24; 1 Kings 3:20).
• It is also the time for slaying. For example: when the destroying angel goes through the camp, neighborhood, community, city, or nation (Exodus 12:29 and 2 Kings 19:35).
• This is a time to declare Psalm 91:5-6 for divine protection for yourself, family, church, city, and nation.
• This period is also the time that rapists increase their activity according to Judges 19. The Levite’s concubine was raped about this period and was only left to go before dawn, so pray and silence them (Judges 19:25).
• This is a time of release from every prison (Isaiah 42:22; Judges 16:3; Acts 16:25; Psalm 18:27-28; 2 Kings 19:35).
• This is the time when people are released. According to the scriptures, God released the people of Israel to leave Egypt at this time. It was midnight that Samson according to Judges 16:3-4 carried the gates of the city and went out.
• A time when the wicked are wiped out.
• Pray also for a greater level of concentration (Mark 1:35; Isaiah 17:14). This is also the time for an angelic intervention. A time that you can employ the land to fight for you.
• A time to rule in the midst of your enemies, and a time of freedom for His bride (Exodus 12:29; Judges 19:25). Also, it’s appropriate to pray for the freedom of the bride, especially for those who are trusting God for their marriage partners.
• It is in fact, the best time to make your case in prayer (Mark 13:35; Luke 11:5-13; Acts 16:25-34; 20:7-12).
• It is the period to pray for every emergency provision God has made for you to be released (Luke 11:5-13; Acts 16:3).