365 Pocket Morning Prayers: Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day

Week 1

Day 1   Day 2   Day 3   Day 4   Day 5   Day 6   Day 7

DAY 1

sun A prayer about FACING A NEW DAY

Rejoicing because God has made this day

DEAR LORD,

I confess that sometimes I awaken tired, grumpy, and worried about what lies before me. I turn off the alarm, pull myself out of bed, shuffle to the bathroom, and muddle through my early morning routine with no enthusiasm for the new day. In fact, despite my schedule and responsibilities, I feel like falling back into bed and pulling the covers over me. But the writer of today’s psalm convicts me of that dour attitude as he reminds me that you have made this day. This means that each day belongs to you. In light of that profound truth, I want to arise every morning with eager anticipation for what you have planned for me. Certainly not everything I face during the next few hours will be pleasant; some interactions or events may bring pain. Yet I can rejoice and be glad as I encounter whatever the day holds because you have given me these twenty-four hours, with all their adventures and opportunities, and because you will be with me in every moment.

This is the day the L

ORD

has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.   PSALM 118:24

DAY 2

sun A prayer about GRACE

Living in light of undeserved favor from God

MY HEAVENLY FATHER,

When I consider how you have treated me, I am overwhelmed with wonder and gratitude. To be honest, I tend to think pretty highly of myself because I believe I’m a good person. That is, I try to live according to your Word, avoid sinful behavior and bad influences, serve at church and in the community, tithe, and help others. And after all, I haven’t committed any really big sins. Sadly, this outlook, this false self-image, blinds me to my faults, depravity, and utter helplessness. The truth is, I am no better than anyone else because, like everyone else, I am a sinner—I was totally lost and bound for an eternity without you. Only through your mercy and grace do I have anything at all. Thank you, my Father, for loving me, sending Christ to die for me, saving me, and giving me new life. During this day, please continually remind me that I am a sinner saved by grace alone, by Christ alone, through faith alone. It’s all about you, not me.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.   EPHESIANS 2:8-9

DAY 3

sun A prayer about GOD SIGHTINGS

Looking for divine appointments

O HOLY SPIRIT,

Looking back over my life, I recall many times when I was oblivious to your presence, totally unaware of your working in me and for me. The big moments stand out in my memory, of course, but I’ve often missed you in the small ones. Today’s verses remind me that you direct my steps and are involved in every detail of my life. What an amazing promise! What a comforting and challenging thought! It means you want to guide me, protect me, and give me opportunities to glorify you. It means that nothing happens by accident or coincidence. Even disappointments, losses, and other setbacks reflect your perfect will for me. So now I implore you, Spirit of God, to make me sensitive to your leading this day—right now as I prepare and begin the day; in the morning and afternoon as I carry out my responsibilities and relate to a wide variety of people; in the evening as I wind down. Open my eyes to your work all around me.

The L

ORD

directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the L

ORD

holds them by the hand.   PSALM 37:23-24

DAY 4

sun A prayer for WISDOM

Needing godly insight and judgment

ALMIGHTY GOD,

Your thoughts are beyond my thoughts. You know everything about me and my world. Theologians use the word omniscience to describe the breadth of your knowledge: limitless, far beyond any finite understanding. I have studied and learned, in classes and on my own, for many years—and I continue the quest to improve my mind. Most would say that I am well-educated and intelligent. Certainly education is important, but I am painfully aware that knowing facts, having knowledge, is not enough, even if I were to learn much more about the world and how it works. I need wisdom, Lord—your wisdom—and insight into the true meaning of events, practical applications of that knowledge to real life, and discernment. I have a schedule, so I think I can anticipate what I will need to know and do today. In reality, I don’t know what this day will hold—its challenges, temptations, choices, and personal interactions. But in each case, I pray that I will be wise in my responses and decisions. I want to honor you.

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.   PROVERBS 2:2

Wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.   PROVERBS 8:11

DAY 5

sun A prayer about THOUGHTS

Focusing on what is excellent and worthy of praise

DEAR GOD,

Thank you for giving me the ability to think. The brain is a precious gift that allows me to analyze, evaluate, dream, and strategize. And my mind is always on, especially as I go through the day; everything I hear and see, every experience, triggers thoughts. I can’t control what happens on the outside or even my first mental reactions, but I can choose which direction to take those thoughts, what I will dwell on. Sadly, often I let my mind drift the wrong way, toward the negative, dishonorable, and impure. News reports can elicit frustration or anger. Verbal or visual cues can move my thoughts to lust. Perceived insults can make me think of how to respond in kind. I may look good on the outside, but be the opposite on the inside. And that’s wrong. Please help me, God, with my thought life. Give me the strength today to be forgiving and kind; not to take that second, lustful look; and to focus my attention and thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.   PHILIPPIANS 4:8

DAY 6 bird

sun A prayer about FORGIVING

Remembering that I have been forgiven

SAVIOR,

Often I have prayed, Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. I’m not sure I meant that, however, because I can easily hold a grudge, harbor a hurt. Today I expect to see someone who has hurt me deeply. Please give me the ability to let it go.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.   COLOSSIANS 3:13

DAY 7 bird

sun A prayer about ASKING TO BE FORGIVEN

Healing a relationship

LORD,

In a recent conflict with hurts on both sides, I spoke harsh and angry words that harmed my fellow believer and friend. I need to confess, to ask for forgiveness, with no strings attached. I pray that you will give me the opportunity and courage to say those simple words, I was wrong. Please forgive me.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.   JAMES 5:16

Week 2

Day 8   Day 9   Day 10   Day 11   Day 12   Day 13   Day 14

DAY 8

sun A prayer about CHURCHES

Appreciating the body of Christ

SPIRIT OF GOD,

As I travel through my community and beyond, I see church buildings of various types. In some towns, they seem to be on every corner. Although they have Christian and church in their descriptions, they differ in many ways: denominations, history, theological subpoints, worship styles, special ministries, service times, and more. And they seem to compete with one another as they advertise their events and programs. I confess that I’ve had those competitive feelings, wishing that people would go to my church instead of another. Yet I know that these Bible-believing, Christ-honoring groups are united, not divided, in much more important ways. Because you indwell every believer, those who belong to these groups also belong to your universal church. So Holy Spirit, I pray for these local churches, especially their pastors, staff, and other leaders. Thank you for calling them here and to their specific ministries. Encourage and strengthen them. And give them courage to boldly proclaim your Word, here and throughout the world. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.   EPHESIANS 4:3-4

DAY 9

sun A prayer about the EFFECTS OF SIN

Living in a fallen world

MY FATHER,

Life can be so frustrating and frightening! The news is filled with reports of crime, personal tragedy, international conflict, and political intrigue—greed, lies, hatred, and violence seem to rule. Then, on a much more immediate and individual level, I encounter aggravations at every turn: Appliances stop working, prized possessions break, and people disappoint. Most upsetting, however, is the reality of my own imperfection. I often make mistakes and poor choices. Sometimes I struggle just to get out of bed in the morning. Unfortunately, I expect everything to be right in a world filled with wrong. Today’s passage in Romans reminds me that all people (including me) and all creation are affected by sin. We often say, Well, no one’s perfect. But nothing is perfect! The world is fallen—that’s for certain. Help me, Father, to accept and deal with the reality of sin in the world and in me. And help me remember that life will not always be this way because you will make all things right.

With eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.   ROMANS 8:20-22

DAY 10

sun A prayer about LONELINESS

Needing relationships

GRACIOUS GOD,

I know that you are my all in all and that I am never alone because you are always with me. Yet still I’m lonely, Father. Sometimes I feel far from my family and closest friends, as though I have been deserted. Changes are inevitable, of course, and people lose touch for a variety of reasons. But this latest drought has really gotten to me. Yes, I can call, text, e-mail, and Skype, but that’s not the same as talking face-to-face. And hugging can’t happen from a distance. So I feel alone, and facing another day seems suddenly challenging. Remembering how you brought new friends onto my path before gives me hope. So I pray that you will do that again, even today. Please lead me to potential new friends—at church, in the neighborhood, or wherever you want. And help me to be the kind of person to whom people are attracted—not clingy or taking but open and giving. Okay, I think I’m ready to face this day with the eager expectation of finding a new friend.

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.   PSALM 68:5-6

DAY 11

sun A prayer about FOCUS

Keeping my eyes on the prize

DEAR JESUS,

When I made the decision to trust in you as my Savior, my goal and destination became eternal life with you. Now I am running a life-marathon, moving toward the finish line. And because this is the race to which you have called me, I must do my best, running with confidence as I look forward to that ultimate goal. What slows me down? Often I can become consumed with second-guessing myself over past decisions and actions, playing the mental games of What if . . . or If only I had . . . At times I look at other runners and compare myself to them, or I see threatening conditions and doubt if I’ll be able to keep going. Please help me, Lord, to stay focused, this day and every day, on you and your ultimate purpose for me. You are cheering me on, but you are also alongside me in the race, encouraging and empowering. And you are at the finish, ready to welcome me to my heavenly prize.

I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.   PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14

DAY 12

sun A prayer about the WEATHER

Adjusting my mood

HEAVENLY FATHER,

Lately I’ve been fighting a sour mood, feeling blue—not depressed but down. And I’m sure it is because of the weather. Every day seems to be the same, with meteorologists predicting more storms on the way. Familiar song lyrics assert that rainy days and Mondays always get me down, and that’s certainly true about me. But the day doesn’t have to be Monday; the rain alone will do the trick. I love sunny days, even cold ones—the sun’s rays seem to brighten my mood and pick me up, even when the temperature is down. And I can go outdoors! I’d love to ask you to change the weather for me, Father—to stop the rain or snow—but that would be presumptuous, especially because other people may need the precipitation. So instead, I ask that you help me to see beyond the clouds to the true Son, especially on this dark and dreary day. Please don’t let the clouds block my vision of you, your love, and your plans for me today.

The L

ORD

will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do.   DEUTERONOMY 28:12

DAY 13 bird

sun A prayer about GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Having a fresh morning

LORD,

I awaken to a new morning filled with life and boundless possibilities, and I know I can face this fresh, new day with gratitude, expectation, and hope. That’s because your love and mercy surround me and because you are faithful. No matter what happens today, you will be with me. Thank you, Lord.

The faithful love of the L

ORD

never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.   LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

DAY 14 bird

sun A prayer about SICKNESS

Feeling ill

JESUS,

I awoke with a headache and feel yucky. I’m pretty sure I don’t have a cold or the flu, so I’ll keep moving, but I’m not at 100 percent. I have so much on the schedule today that I dare not cancel. So if you will, please ease the pain and give me strength.

People throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.   LUKE 4:40

Week 3

Day 15   Day 16   Day 17   Day 18   Day 19   Day 20   Day 21

DAY 15

sun A prayer about EXAMPLE

Watching how I drive

ALMIGHTY GOD,

I’ve been thinking about my driving habits lately and have to admit that they could be better. I’m an aggressive driver and find myself becoming impatient with other drivers, especially if they’re going slower than I am. But if I’m the slower driver, then I think those who pass me are being irresponsible. I confess that I have less-than-positive thoughts and words in traffic. I know that’s wrong, Father. I need to see other drivers as men and women for whom Christ died. And I need to be aware of my own shortcomings and sin. I’m open about my faith, so I wonder what kind of Christian example I set by weaving in and out of traffic, rushing through yellow lights, cutting off those who have cut me off, and even yelling at others. Every now and then I think, I hope that person doesn’t know me! So please help me to drive in the slow lane today, to pray for those around me, and to honor you in this sensitive area of my life.

You yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.   TITUS 2:7

DAY 16

sun A prayer about CHOICES

Deciding to live God’s way

DEAR GOD,

Throughout the day, every day, I am confronted with so many choices. Even at the very beginning I have to decide what clothes to wear and what to eat for breakfast. As I plan my day, I consider what I must do and when and in what order. The opportunities to choose seem endless, and most of them I do without thinking. Actually, most of my decisions seem to come by force of habit. Certainly some choices are more important, more critical, than others; for example, what I say in response to an insult, how I react to a temptation, whom I decide to spend time with, how I spend my time and money. Yet all my choices are important because they reflect my values, who I am at my core. In reality, my decisions reflect who is calling the shots in my life. Thus Joshua’s challenge to the people of Israel is also for me, to choose today whom I will serve. My answer? I want to serve you, Lord. Please give me strength.

Choose today whom you will serve. . . . As for me and my family, we will serve the L

ORD

.   JOSHUA 24:15

DAY 17

sun A prayer about GREATNESS

Proclaiming God to the world

MY GRACIOUS GOD,

Reading today’s psalm causes me to think about your greatness. You are all-powerful; having created the universe, you sustain it. Everywhere I look, I see evidence of your marvelous work: in trees and flowers, stars and sand, horses and ants, and especially in the amazing diversity of human beings, whom you have created in your image. You are all-loving. Because of your great love, you called your people into relationship with you and sent Jesus to make that possible. You are all-knowing. Every day, I read your Word and learn your will. You guide, correct, forgive, encourage, and lead me. You are all-present, always with me and in me, changing me into the person you want me to become. And in dark and painful hours, you pull me close and comfort me. I want to proclaim your greatness to the world. As I go about my business today, help me live above the mundane routine and exult in who you are, letting everyone know about you and how they can know you too.

Give thanks to the L

ORD

and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the L

ORD.

  PSALM 105:1-3

DAY 18

sun A prayer about PERSPECTIVE

Seeing life from God’s point of view

DEAR LORD,

Open my eyes today to see the world as you see it. The young assistant in today’s Scripture saw no hope as he looked at the advancing army. But the prophet Elisha told him to look again, and he saw the armies of heaven nearby. The battle had already been won. I feel besieged, Lord, but I know you are greater than all who stand against you. Please help me perceive your presence and trust in your strength today. I want to see all of life from your perspective. Often I treat certain individuals as though they are objects, but you see them differently. Help me remember that all people, even those who mock me for my faith, are created in your image and are loved. In fact, Jesus died for them just as much as he died for me. Give me eyes to see lost souls around me, reminding me to pray for them and to point them to my Savior.

Don’t be afraid! Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs! Then Elisha prayed, "O L

ORD

, open his eyes and let him see!" The L

ORD

opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.   2 KINGS 6:16-17

DAY 19

sun A prayer about GOD’S WORK

Finding the good in all things

HOLY SPIRIT,

Everything? Really? I memorized today’s verse years ago and have quoted it often when encountering difficulties—usually, I admit, in minor setbacks and inconveniences. But now I’m reeling, blindsided. And I can’t see anything positive in this tragedy, even though I love you and am confident that you have called me to yourself. I know that your thoughts and plans are far beyond my ability to perceive or comprehend; I am so limited in my humanity. I