I love mornings; not so much because I have to get up, but because I love to talk to the Lord first thing. It is really almost automatic these days. I already know Jesus is with me whether or not I ask Him. It is not like He needs to be reminded that we are here counting on His love and protection. It is more for me.
Morning prayer helps me to begin the day with my focus, my heart, in the right place—on Him! He certainly has me covered, but I can so quickly be overwhelmed with the day’s responsibilities and the seemingly endless list of things I need to do, as well as problems I face as a husband, father, grandfather and business owner. I need to be reminding myself that my steps are ordered by Him. This is a great help to the rest of my day!
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” (Ps. 139:17, 18)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” (2 Cor. 3:3-5)
“…For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philip 2:10
When I think about the troubles facing me during the day, I remember that I gave them to Him first thing in the morning. That makes it easier to just thank Him for already working on behalf of my concerns. I can more easily keep a good attitude and positive prayer focus. My life’s journey has been a journey of brokenness, of discovering limitations, my human frailty. I realize not many men like to talk about their weaknesses or human frailty, but I have found that simple humility prevents a whole lot of grief! I do not have to show off for anyone. I don’t have to prove anything. I know who I am. More importantly, God knows who I am and He is my strength, my balance, my confidence during troubling times.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6, 7)
Corrie Ten Boom always said there were no red flashing lights in heaven, no emergency lights or sirens. That gives me such comfort. God sees what is coming from miles away. If He lets them come, I can handle them. At least, that is what I keep telling myself when something really troublesome comes my way! In my mind, I know that He is in charge, but getting that truth into my heart and daily life is another thing altogether. But that takes time, patience and the knowledge of His Word. His greatest desire is for us to be like Him, to prosper in every way, to live in peace. The Bible gives us all we need to find this way of life for ourselves and for everyone we are praying for. This Christian life is dynamic, compelling, and fulfilling. He has not made it difficult. He has made it as simple as possible.
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
I have learned that we are the ones who make it so hard. We put burdens upon ourselves and others that God never intended. When I begin to feel that the responsibilities of life are more than I can bear, it is probably because I have taken on a burden that only He can carry.
So I try I keep my prayers in line with what God has promised, which is more than I can ever imagine and think I can handle, which is not much. I keep my heart as soft as I can, my spirit free from unforgiveness and anything else that can fog up my relationship with Him. There is nothing more certain on this earth than trusting in the goodness of God and His never-ending desire to care for us.
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:8, 9)
Yes, I am not really a morning person, but meeting with Jesus first thing in the morning certainly gives me something exciting to look forward to as I wake up. Asking Him to launch my day gives me a peace and a confidence that can come no other way.
What about you?
When do you like to spend your time in prayer each day and why? Let me know in the comments below!
Pastor Don’s Books
You can get Pastor Don’s book, Yes, The Prayer God Loves to Answer for only $.99 on Amazon Kindle (Check link for current price.) Find his other books including: The Voice, Breaking Demonic Strongholds and Breaking Generational Curses at bookstores everywhere. PLUS, look for his next book, The God Watchers coming soon.
About Don Nori Sr
