Prayer is an interesting thing in that I tend to believe everybody utilizes in their own unique way. But if there was one commonality I’ve seen amongst all those who do use prayer in their life is that it’s usually the morning prayer, i.e. the first one of the day, that they consider to be the most important. I tend to agree because any time I’ve ever skipped or forgotten to do it, it often seems as if the rest of that day has become far more chaotic than when I have done my morning prayer.
That being said, I have continued to maintain the belief that there isn’t a right or wrong way to pray nor do I think that one prayer holds more weight than another to God because of the way it’s said or how long of time one puts into it. In fact, sometimes even the simplest prayer of “God please help me” can be more effective when spoken with an open heart and tears, than saying a lofty one that takes over thirty minutes.
But In regards to the morning prayer itself, I must say that for me it changes all the time, mostly depending on how I’m feeling when I awake. Even so, occasionally I find myself saying the same one multiple days in a row, especially when I’m feeling connected to its words. Most of the time the words are of my own creation and come straight from my heart, but once in a while, I come across someone else’s prayer that truly moves me and stirs my soul.
I discovered one of those just recently in a book I was reading by a United Methodist pastor named Adam Hamilton. In the book, he shared that he starts each of his mornings always in the same way, with a very simple prayer. Because of its simplicity, yet still profound in its statement as well, I was moved enough to share it in my blog today with the rest of the world. Why I like it so much is because it says exactly how I want my relationship to be with God every single day I continue to breathe on this planet.
So, if you happen to be someone who struggles at times with prayer, especially in the morning when starting your day, I encourage you to try this one, as you may just find its simplicity as soothing and guiding as I have.
“God, once again I offer my life to You. Use me today to do Your work and Your will. Help me to honor You and to live for You and to be used by You.”
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson
