MORNING PRAYER

PSALM 5:3 (TCEB)
Every morning
You’ll hear my voice, LORD.
Every morning
I’ll bring my requests, in prayer.
And wait to see what you’ll do.

MARK 1:35 (TCEB)
Early the next morning, before sunrise, Jesus left the house. He took a walk to a place where he could be alone and spend some time in prayer.

THE ESSENCE
Starting the day with prayer sets the tone for the day.

DAILY FODDER
There is no rule that says you must start each day with time alone in prayer. But there is wisdom and good precedent for doing so. If you are "not a morning person" create a simpler pattern where you can be quiet with God. No need to say anything. But if you want to attempt to formulate some prayer ideas perhaps using the TRIP pattern will be helpful. 

   T — thanksgiving

   R — regrets

   I — intercession

   P — purpose

Create a sentence around each theme idea. It's  a start. 

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that even before my morning brain fog has cleared, you are available to me. I regret that I forget and just launch ahead. Help me to develop some prayer habits that work for me. I purpose to become more consistent in spending quiet time to listen and speak with you. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

TEARS

JEREMIAH 31:9 (TCEB)
They’ll come home with tears.
I’ll lead them home with compassion,
Alongside singing brooks of water,
And on straight trails, easy on the feet.

HEBREWS 5:7 (NLT)
While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

THE ESSENCE
Sometimes tears accompany salvation. 

DAILY FODDER
IOW, when God acts, sometimes the gamut of emotions kick in. And that's okay because God's healing involves the whole person.

PRAYER
God, gracious Father, you sent Jesus to walk on earthly paths, fully human. He is my companion, leading me and listening. Forgive me for asking shyly what I hope. You are not put off by cries and tears. You comfort me and pardon my failures. Your saving presence and fatherly love make us all family — the whole human race. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

GOD’S GLORY

NUMBERS 6:26 (ABP)
Might GOD lift up his head, and through the look on his glorious face send you his peace.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 (NLT)
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

THE ESSENCE
We encounter God's glory through the face of Jesus. 

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is God's glory? Why is it important to look at it?   

PRAYER
God of light, thank you for shining into my heart. I tend to strain my eyes into the darkness when Jesus' face has all the light I need. Even more, that light is all love. Lord, bring your peace today to someone who walks in darkness. Let me reflect Jesus, the light of my life. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

REST AND RECHARGE

PSALM 68:19 (ABP)
Praise the Lord, who carries us day after day after day!

MATTHEW 11:28 (ABP)
Jesus: "Let's get away from all this — the guilt and shame, the indescribable struggles, the overwhelming stress. I'll give you the rest and restoration you need."

THE ESSENCE
Allow Jesus to take you to a place of rest and recharge.

DAILY FODDER
What are the three things most weighing on you now? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for carrying me through another day and night. I know that I sound like a broken record but I'm feeling overwhelmed. I suspect it's because I'm trying to carry it all myself. Show me how to release the burdens. I'm going to allow you to give me rest so that I'm recharged for what's coming. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.