Significance of praying at 3pm: Praying at 3 PM has significance in both the Old and New Testaments, often referred to as the "hour of prayer." This time, also known as the "ninth hour" (since the Jewish day starts at 6 AM), holds a special place in biblical history for various reasons:
Jesus’ Death on the Cross:
In the New Testament, 3 PM marks the time when Jesus died on the cross. Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34-37 mention that around the ninth hour (3 PM), Jesus cried out with a loud voice before yielding up His spirit. This hour is seen as a moment of great significance for Christians, symbolizing the time when Jesus' sacrifice was completed and the veil of the temple was torn.
Peter and John’s Hour of Prayer:
In Acts 3:1, Peter and John went up to the temple at the ninth hour (3 PM) for prayer. This indicates that the early Christians followed this time as a designated hour of prayer, a practice that was a part of Jewish tradition as well. It shows that 3 PM was a time when believers sought to draw near to God in prayer.
Cornelius’ Vision:
Acts 10:3 mentions Cornelius, a devout man who prayed regularly to God, having a vision around the ninth hour (3 PM). This vision led to Peter's visit and ultimately to the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. It illustrates that 3 PM was considered a time for receiving divine revelation.
Symbolic Meaning:
Spiritually, 3 PM can be seen as a time of mercy, grace, and divine favor. It is often considered an opportune time to pray for forgiveness, intercession, and seeking God’s presence. It reminds believers of the sacrifice of Christ and the new access to God through prayer.
For many, praying at 3 PM can be a way to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, align with biblical tradition, and seek God's presence at a time historically associated with divine encounters and answered prayers.