Morning Prayer

Here we are, starting the new year. My prayer this year is to stay focused. One thing I changed at the end of this last year was my prayer time. Wow, what a blessing it has been. For the last few years I would pray for the Lord to wake me in the morning so that I may spend time with him. Every morning he would keep his promise and gently wake me, however I would look at the clock and apologize, knowing he would forgive me and fall back asleep. For the rest of the day I did not feel complete, I felt guilty. And of course I struggled through my daily tasks.

"Whenever I happen to be prevented by the press of duties from observing my hour of prayer, the entire day is bad for me" ~Martin Luther

Can you relate? This last year I would awake between 5:30am and 6:30am and spend an hour or 2 in prayer and Bible readings. Yes, if you asked me a couple of years ago I would of argued with you. Way too early! Although I have been completely blessed. The Lord has blessed my days with my children. I am so much more relaxed through the day, Thank you Lord!

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last the remainder of the day." ~E.M. Bounds

Jesus, our example, practiced morning devotions.
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day. He went out and departed into a solitary place, and then prayed." ~Mark 1:35

My prayer this year is that the Lord continues to rise me early every morning so that I may enjoy His beautiful morning in His Word. Also, that you will come to rise every morning with me and spend time in our Lord's Word together. Your day will be blessed!

"The morning is the gate of the day, and it should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day's actions and strung, and should be well knotted with devotion. If we felt the majesty of life we should be more careful of its mornings." ~Charles Spurgeon

Take this challenge with me, pray the Lord awakes you in the morning to spend time with him. Before we sit down and teach our children and take on the daily tasks, spend time with our Father.

"Don't pray when you feel like it, have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." ~Corrie ten Boom

In His Name,
Cherie