How to start your day in prayer
Especially when you don't want to
I’m not a morning person.
In college, I used to consider myself a “whatever person” - I would do whatever I need to do and run on whatever amount of sleep I need to get.
In my thirties, though, I realize now that I, personally, need a good 6.5-7 hours of sleep a night…
…and I need a long stretch of time to “wake up.”
I’m guilty of wanting to check my phone, stay under the covers and doze, cuddle with my family a little bit longer (because, inevitably, someone ends up in our bed almost every night)…
…but I got to a point where, typically, one of my first thoughts of the day is The Lord’s Prayer.
And there is something special about your first thoughts and moments being dedicated to prayer.
Especially a memorized prayer.
Doubly so for a prayer that you have internalized and has great meaning for you.
And it doesn’t have to be long.
The Lord’s Prayer is perfect for me because it is short enough to memorize but long enough that I have to make sure I’m getting the phrasing or order correct (especially first thing when I’m waking up).
In the Church of England, the Common Worship begins with:
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.
And that is short, sweet, and beautiful.
It starts your day by being thankful, acknowledging that waking up in the morning is something to celebrate and rejoice. Plus, it forces you to pray as if you are already in the process of gratitude.
But you could go even shorter.
“Our Father, as we celebrate a new day show us how to love you in return. Amen.”
But you could go even longer.
It’s about finding the rhythm that works for you and finding the best time, space, and tools to help you pray intentionally and start your day in prayer.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for acknowledging our advances in practicing prayer. We know that you will honor our efforts. Spirit, keep waking us up every morning with you on our minds. Amen.
Remember
Steal a short prayer from the Church of England, from me, from somewhere (or create your own), and start praying it first thing every single morning. Try to make it as early on in your day as possible.