In the Morning

Though I’m not a morning person, I love mornings. I look forward to the start of each day to fix some hot tea (or sometimes coffee—though I can’t figure out a way to actually like coffee—any suggestions?) and spend time reading my Bible and praying. An especially good morning includes a walk in the neighborhood, which is a good time to focus, pray, and plan the day.

I love mornings because they are the quiet part of the day. The house is still, everyone is resting. Even the dog is quiet and peaceful nearby. Many mornings, I can watch the sunrise from my den as I sit with my tea and Bible. I listen to the bells playing hymns at the church across the street. As I type, I’ve been listening to them play Faith of Our Fathers and Fairest Lord Jesus.

I love mornings because of the beauty of a new day with new opportunities. Mornings are an obvious reset, their own new beginnings. If I blew it the day before, it’s a chance to start again, a natural point to reflect on the day before, pray about it—with both praise and repentance—and move forward from it, hopefully in the Lord’s strength, not mine.

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

One verse I have meditated on recently is Psalm 5:3:

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.  (NIV)

Another translation (NAS) says, “In the morning I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch.” I like that because “ordering my prayers” suggests intentionality, focus, time, which can be hard for me as I’m easily distracted. What a great way to begin the day—prayerful—and what a good posture to take throughout the day: waiting expectantly, hoping, eagerly watching, looking up.

What is your favorite part of the day or your favorite daily routine?