The Nautical Hour

by Tony Bailey

Before the days of satellite guidance systems, navigation on the open sea took a great deal of skill and understanding. In order to point the ship in the desired heading, the navigator had to know more than where he desired to go, he had to know the ship’s present location. Since no landmarks are visible on the open sea, stable points of reference had to be discovered before the navigator could accurately triangulate the ship’s position. The night sky offered these reference points in the form of stars and celestial patterns. The navigator would study the stars and with a few simple calculations determine the approximant longitude and latitude of the ship. But the night sky offered no visible horizon toward which the ship could be directed. For the proper horizon to be found the navigator needed the light of day, which, with its arrival would wash away the visibility of the stars.
The Nautical Hour was soon discovered as the most crucial hour of the navigator’s day. The only time of day when the stars of night and the horizon of the coming day were both visible to the navigator was the period of time before sunrise when night is changing into day. Once the sun was up the navigator lost the ability to calculate the location of the ship, but during the Nautical Hour, the navigator could determine not only the location of the ship but also the proper heading.
Often through the hectic schedules of our busy days, we can only point our ship in the direction of what appears to be the right horizon and hope for the best. At night, we are able to reflect on the day’s events and decisions and to evaluate our present position. But, during that early hour before the rising of the sun we can determine both our position and direction if we are willing to spend time with Jesus. It is impossible to effectively determine our heading without knowing our present position. God has given us a time when we can come into His presence and discover not only our position in Him but where we can also chart our course in His chosen direction:

Genres: Christian

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2011

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME! This book really helps people understand the importance of prayer. It changed my way of thinking.

[Karen Rasor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one to read and re-read regularly as a constant reminder of the power of early morning prayer. Has truly impacted my life.

[Jorge Murcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…a prayer-life is not an event but rather a continuous journey.” The Nautical hour in context is a reference to the Nautical Twilight, a specific hour of the day helpful to navigation of ships. (The book goes into detail about it) It serves the purpose for which it is written which I believe is to make a convincing case for making early morning prayer a part of your life and the value of it. I don’t give it a four star because the author uses Bible verses at times that, in context, don’t support the claims or points he is trying to make. The verses provided are word of God though so in the end, are still edifying. The authors personal examples are definitely powerful, intriguing, and thought-provoking. Read with an open mind and understanding and you’ll get a lot out of this book.

[William Summitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Bailey has written a powerful text on the subject of prayer in the early hours of the day. Very biblical and a timeless piece of Christian literature written by a man who fleshes out the things he shares.

[Mystery Shadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nautical Hour

This book is fascinating to me and it will be for those who are hungry and thirsty for more of the Lord Jesus. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book if want to change your pray life

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I learned and understood truly what the Nautical hour means. Early morning prayer changes you and it changes things around you. Relationship with God through prayer is key.

[cathy Stroman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Book

Love this book....
I learned so much about prayer. I know I always feel better when I take time in the morning with the Lord.

[Justin Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

answers

This book provides answers to why early prayer should be daily habit. It also provides encouragement for those times when we fall of the wagon.