The first minutes of the day often set the tone for the rest. This page is for you if you want to start your day with God, even when you are in a hurry. Take a moment before getting up or over your coffee: thank him, entrust your day to him and ask him to guide you step by step.
Prayers
A Short Prayer on Waking Up
Father, thank you for this new day. Thank you for the breath of life and for your faithfulness that is new every morning. Before the world demands my attention, I come to you first. I entrust to you my time, my appointments, my conversations and my efforts. Guide my steps and my words. Keep me from restlessness and discouragement. May your peace go with me wherever I go today. Make me a source of kindness for those I meet. I am yours, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
Lamentations 3:22-23
A Prayer to Place My Day in God's Hands
Lord, this day belongs to you. I do not know what it holds: the good surprises, the frustrations, the decisions to make. But you know, and you walk ahead of me. Give me wisdom in my choices, patience with those I meet and strength to do what is entrusted to me. Help me to be honest, kind and attentive to others. When I am tempted to worry, remind me that you are here. I place everything in your hands. Amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6
A Morning Prayer of Thanksgiving
My God, it is good to praise you first thing in the morning. Thank you for the rest of the night, for the roof over my head, for those I love and for your Word that feeds me. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who saved me by his grace. Even in my difficulties, I find reasons to thank you. May my heart stay thankful all day long. Fill me with your Spirit and make me a witness of your love. To you be the glory, Lord. Amen.
Psalm 118:24
Before leaving for work
Lord, a new workday is beginning, and I want to entrust it to you before I walk out the door. You know what awaits me: tasks to finish, colleagues to listen to, maybe tensions to get through. Give me strength to do well what I am given, with honesty and with all my heart, as if it were for you. Keep my tongue from hurtful words and my mind from envy. Help me to be patient, to serve, to stay upright. May those I meet see in me a reflection of your goodness. Thank you for walking beside me, and I count on you for the whole day. Amen.
Colossians 3:23
Asking God to guide me today
Father, before this day carries me away, I want to listen to you. I do not know what it holds, but you do. Let me hear of your unfailing love in the morning, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Give me discernment in my choices, attention for the people you put in my path, and the gentleness of the Spirit in my reactions. If I take a wrong turn, bring me back gently. I surrender myself to you for today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 143:8
When I get up tired or discouraged
Lord, this morning I have no drive. I get up with yesterday's tiredness and a discouragement that lingers. I do not have the strength to pretend, so I come to you as I am. You never grow tired or weary, and you give strength to the weary. Renew my courage, even a little, so I can take the next step, then the one after. Show me the small things I can thank you for. I do not need to see everything today, I only need you. Hold me up, Father, and walk with me until evening. Amen.
Isaiah 40:31
I consecrate my day
« Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. »
Proverbs 16:3
I proclaim that my plans will succeed because I commit my works to the Lord. This day belongs to him and he directs my steps.
I am strong in the Lord
« Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. »
Ephesians 6:10
I declare that I am strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. It is not my strength, but his that works in me today.
His mercies are new every morning
« Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. »
Lamentations 3:22-23
I proclaim that the mercies of the Lord are not consumed. His compassions are new this morning. Great is his faithfulness toward me.
He lights my path
« Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. »
Psalm 25:4-5
I declare that the Lord makes his ways known to me and teaches me his paths. I do not walk in uncertainty, for he guides my every step.
I am under his protection
« He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. »
Psalm 91:1-2
I proclaim that I dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.