The fourth watch is the last period of the night from 3am to 6am, and is the final change of the guard. These hours are considered to be a time for deep reflection, prayer, awareness, asceticism, vigilance, hope, and prepared readiness.
The crossing of the Red Sea occurred during the fourth watch (Exodus 14:24-25).
In the story of Jesus walking on the water, we read that “in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea” (Mt. 14:25).
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the empty tomb “toward the dawn of the first day of the week” (Mt. 28:1).
See also Morning Prayers.
- Wisdom is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed (Wis. 6:12-13).
- My soul is longing for the Lord more than the watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count on daybreak, but Israel on the Lord (Ps. 130:6).
- On the watchtower, O my Lord, I stand constantly by day, and I stay at my post through all the watches of the night (Is. 21:8).
- I will take my stand to watch, and station myself on the tower, and look forth to see what he will say to me (Hab. 2:1).
- In the morning, let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk; to you I lift up my soul (Ps. 143:8).
- In the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I offer you my sacrifice of prayer, watching and waiting (Ps. 5:3).
- I rise before dawn and cry for your help (Ps. 119:147).
- I meditate on you in the watches of the night (Ps. 63:6).
- Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Ps. 30:5).
On Sobriety:
To be watchful requires sobriety, which in Greek comes from the word sophron that means “to save the mind” often translated in Scripture as self-controlled or temperate. This suggests that sobriety is the exercise of self-restraint which governs all passions and desires, enabling one to be conformed to the mind of Christ.
- Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the spring of life (Prv. 4:23).
- As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (2 Tim. 4:5)
- Be sober, be watchful (1 Pet. 5:8).