Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 119:147

"I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words." — Psalms 119:147 (ASV)

I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried - I anticipated it; I rose up to pray before the morning dawned. On the word “prevent,” see the notes at 1 Thessalonians 4:15; notes at Psalm 21:3; notes at Psalm 59:10; notes at Psalm 79:8. The meaning here is that he rose up before the dawn to pray. Thus the Saviour did (Mark 1:35).

1. It is proper thus to pray, for our earliest thoughts should be those of devotion; our earliest acts should be in acknowledgment of God.
2. Such a time is eminently favorable to devotion. It is calm, still, and quiet. Before thoughts are engaged with the world, and before the cares of life press upon us, when thoughts are clear and the mind tranquil, the soul is in the best state for devotion.
3. All people, if they will, can secure this time before the “dawning of the morning” to pray. (Compare Psalm 5:3, note; Psalms 88:13, note). The word rendered “dawning of the morning” is from a verb that means to blow, to blow gently, and is usually applied to the evening, when the breezes blow gently. It may be applied, however, as it clearly is here, also to the morning.

I hoped in your word - I prayed because I had hope in your word; I exercised hope in your word then. Alone with you in the morning, I found consolation by trusting in your gracious promises.