Morning Prayer
Seek First His Righteousness
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).”
God longs for you to spend time with Him. He has created a whole world for you. He created a plan for your life even before you were conceived. He would like to share that plan with you so you don’t have to roam aimlessly through life. But, He won’t force His plan on you. You have to come to Him and ask Him to reveal it.
In the morning, spend time with God by studying his Word, listening to your favorite teacher or worshiping God through music. Then, having a heartfelt conversation with your creator through prayer.
Here are some sample prayers and commentaries to help you start your day.
This morning prayer was inspired by the scriptures from Isaiah 26 and Psalm 19.
Keith Bollig
Lord, my soul yearns for you in the night. In the morning my spirit longs to hear your voice1. You said You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast on you because they trust in you2. I trust you to orchestrate every part of my life for your glory. I trust you will develop and protect my relationships with my spouse, my family, and my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I trust you will guide the interactions I have with people at work and in the streets so I reflect your love and so I am seen as salt and light to the world. I feel at peace because I trust in you forever.
You are my Rock3 in which I stand firm and face every challenge. You are the Upright One4 for whom I attribute all my victories.
Lord, it’s morning and I want to express how I feel about you and how majestic you are but there are no words to describe your greatness. I echo the sentiment of the heavens that declare your glory, the skies that proclaim the work of your hands5. The daytime speaks of your goodness, the night of your infinite wisdom. They use no words and no sound can be heard from them. Yet their message of your greatness goes out to the ends of the universe6.
The sun rises on one end of the earth and follows a path designed by you to the other end of the earth. Nothing under the sun is deprived of it’s warmth7. In the same way, no one in all of creation is deprived of your infinite love.
Lord, you created an amazing and complex world for us to enjoy. You did not leave us without instructions on how to use it. You gave us your laws which are perfect. They refresh my soul. When I follow them, they give joy to my heart and light to my eyes8. Your laws do not bind me, they illuminate my path. They warn me when danger is close. They guide me through my day and point me toward success and your promised rewards.
So, help me put to death what is earthly in me: sexual immorality, impurity, pride, ungodly passion, evil desire, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and every dishonest thought. I put off the old self when I gave my heart to you. My new self is being renewed in knowledge and has a long way to go to fully reflect your image9.
Help me discern when I fall short of the intent of your laws. Keep me today Lord from willful sin. Forgive me when I sin without knowing, when I’ve done good with selfish intentions, failed to serve you with my whole heart, or neglected to do what should have been done10.
Help me to learn more and more every day how to love you, Lord, with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength, and with all my mind. Show me new ways to love others as I love myself11.
May these words I pray this morning and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you my Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer12.
1Isaiah 26:9.
2Isaiah 26:3.
3Isaiah 26:4.
4Isaiah 26:7.
5Psalm 19:1
6Psalm 19:3-4
7Psalm 19:6 NIV
8Psalm 19:7-8
9Colossians 3:5–10
10Psalm 19:11-13
11Psalm 19:14
12Luke 10:27