Mark 1:35 (NKJV)
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
There was a period in my life where I was really into landscape photography as a hobby. I found that the best time to take pictures was when the light was golden and horizontal: sunrise and sunset. I would get up about an hour before sunrise, make coffee and head out to my favorite park while it was still dark. Then I would setup my camera and tripod and prepare for the magical moment. Some mornings were spectacular and others were just OK depending on the weather conditions. I would shoot pictures for about 30-45 minutes then go for a nice long walk with my dog. I did this several times a week in all seasons as a matter of habit for several years. Those times bring back great memories and I have the wonderful pictures to remember them by. It certainly cost me something to have these experiences but it was well worth it.
Getting up to meet with the Lord in prayer ought to be the same way. It cost something but it is we'll worth it. It takes discipline and preparation just like my photography did. Some mornings you will experience the glory of God in majestic splendor and other mornings will feel foggy and hazy. But the long haul will be an important experience that will pay off in wonderful ways. And if you journal your times with the Lord, you will be able to go back and see the "pictures" of how God showed himself in your life.
Lord, help me to desire the early morning hours with you so that no cost is too high to spend time with you.