In addition to a healthy breakfast, a stretch, and some deep breaths, it is a great practice to start the day by waking up our souls with some good morning prayers. So read on for some morning inspiration! But first of all, listen to this powerful morning prayer quote from St Teresa of Avila. She said that: “Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God” and this is so true isn't it? We can be so intimidated by the idea of having a prayer routine, that we feel too scared to even start, however, it’s actually really simple!
Firstly, just come to God as you are. Then, spend time with Him, and give thanks to Him. It doesn’t have to be long, and spending just five minutes with Him is better than not coming at all. Above all, spending time with God gives us a chance to reset, to remember who He is and who we are. We call to mind that He is the creator of the universe and is at once holy but also intimate with us. We remember that each day is new, that we are much loved, and that His love for us never ends. The following five prayers are all adapted from the scriptures. Why not read these scriptures and prayers aloud this morning for a burst of truth to start your day? After all, the truth of God’s word is better than any coffee! His truth will revitalize, wake up and restore our souls, whatever we may be facing in the day ahead. Now, read on, for five great morning prayers to start the day.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him” Lamentations 3:22-24.
Lord, your mercies are new each day. Whatever has gone before; all the joys and sorrows, and all the times I have sinned, thank you that today is a new day. Thank you that your mercies never end and that there are no limits to your forgiveness. Thank you, Father, for the wonder of creation and for the hope of newness every day. Amen.
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” Psalm 139: 1-6.
Lord, thank you that you are here with me, right now. There is such comfort in the fact that you know me completely. I can’t shock you with my darkest deeds and thoughts, because you already know them. You know me and love me as I am. I can’t outrun you or get away from you, and why would I want to? Even in sadness, darkness, and pain, you are there with me. May I face each situation today in the knowledge of your great love for me and your continued presence with me. Amen.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" Psalm 23: 1-4.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are my good shepherd. You know what I need and you lead me on peaceful paths. Thank you that you do not leave me when I am facing dark valleys in my life, but you walk through them by my side. Thank you that I have everything I need in you. Amen.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121: 1,2.
Lord, when I am feeling crushed, I lift up my eyes to you. My help comes from you. Today, Lord, as I lift up my eyes to you, I give to you all the burdens that I am carrying: those of sadness, despair, worry, and grief. As I give you my burdens, I ask that you would come and fill me with the lightness and joy of your spirit instead. May I go into my day in this lightness. Amen.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident" Psalm 27: 1-3.
Lord, thank you that you are my light and my salvation. Thank you that in fearful times, I can look to you. Thank you that although overwhelming circumstances come against me, I know that you are with me and I know that with you, I can face all things. Amen.
I hope that after that morning burst of scripture and prayer, you will go into your day, blessed and filled with truth, whatever the day ahead may hold. And if the truth hasn't sunk in yet, read it again! Above all, may you know that God is with you, wherever you go. And finally, here are two more excellent resources that will help you to start off the day with morning prayers. Our own Glorify app makes it easy to start the day with a prayer and portion of scripture, and similarly, I highly recommend "Every Moment Holy", a wonderful collection of liturgies for modern life by Douglas Kaine McKelvey. It lists prayers for sick days, changing diapers and for first waking, the liturgy for which reads; “Teach me to shepherd the small duties of this day with great love, tending faithfully those tasks you place within my care.” What words of wisdom to finish with. We can do many things through our hasty and frenetic days, but teach us, Lord, to do them with great love. Photo by Federico Respini on Unsplash
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