Each Morning Holds a New Blessing…
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
~Psalm 90:14
Ron and I have admired some of our friends who set aside time each day to do a couple devotional. We had tried to do this but had never been successful on a consistent basis.
At the beginning of 2021, we decided to be diligent with the practice we’ve admired in others. Each morning, we read from a devotional book written by Timothy and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus – A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms. Sometimes we discuss the passage of Psalms we’ve read, and at other times, we go directly to prayer for our loved ones; friends or family who are sick or struggling; our faith community; and our nation. We always close with the “Our Father.” The process takes only a few minutes, and it’s been a wonderful way to set the tone of our day.
I love spending time with God in the early morning. There’s something about beginning the day this way that ignites hope and assurance in my soul.
A couple months ago, I came across a morning prayer written by St. Francis of Assisi. Francis lived in the late 12th and early 13th Centuries. It never ceases to amaze me how relevant ancient words—especially those of Scripture, but also other writings— remain relevant in the 21st Century. I have used this prayer often.
This Thursday morning, I’d like to share it with you. Ron’s beautiful photo is of a Florida sunrise. I hope both will speak to your soul.
Morning Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1286)
Lord, help me to live this day,
quietly, easily;
to lean on Your great strength,
trustfully, restfully;
to wait for the unfolding of Your will,
patiently, serenely;
to meet others,
peacefully, joyfully;
to face tomorrow,
confidently, courageously.
Amen
