First thing in the morning before getting out of bed what do you do? Sometimes I pray if I wake up early and it’s still dark. But most days I pick up my phone, check the time, email, Instagram, Facebook and the weather. If I don’t pay attention I end up staying there for another hour.
First Thing in the Morning
[bctt tweet=”What if I intentionally started acknowledging God’s presence with me every morning before anything else?” username=”GaylWright”]
I could still check my phone before dressing and going downstairs to breakfast. But instead of scrolling through letting the time slip away, I would determine to put it down after checking in with those aforementioned websites. Usually after breakfast I go back upstairs to have a longer period of reading my Bible and praying.
Back in 2015, I wrote the following poem to remind me and encourage others to meet with God before the day begins. If I acknowledge His presence first thing, it helps to set the mood for the day. When I remember that I am His beloved child, that He loves me and will be with me, I am more inclined to have a good attitude throughout the day. It is easier to meet whatever comes my way.
Before the Day Begins
Before starting the day, set your mind at ease.
Al l the busyness can wait while you now rest and breathe.
Spend time with your Father, listening to His voice.
Then look up and face the day with gratitude and joy.
If your heart is heavy, storms raging around,
If you’re lost, scared, or lonely, run straight to God, dear one.
His love for you is strong, e’en when you may not see.
His faithfulness is sure, like the rising of the sun.
No matter where you go, you are not alone.
Be present in each moment, for God is always there.
His arms will lift you up, give strength throughout the storm,
Comforting with words of truth and loving friends who care.
~gsw~
Morning or Whatever Works Best for You
My intentions don’t always match up with my actions lest you think I remember to do this faithfully every morning. Sometimes, because of various events, I’m not able to have the longer time of quiet and worship in the morning.
When that happens I try to remember during the day to take a few moments to remember God is with me. If time permits I have my longer prayer time in the afternoon or later.
God doesn’t insist on morning or else. Some people are much more alert and ready at different times of the day. What matters is that we intentionally carve out time for communion with God, even if it’s only a few minutes.
Participating in The Presence Project reminds me to be more aware of God’s presence all the time. I don’t do it perfectly, but when I do think about His presence with me, I remember I can talk to Him anywhere. So if I’m in a difficult situation I can call out to Him in my mind or with a breath prayer and know that He hears and will answer according to what is best. I share how the breath prayer helped me when I was sick in Surrender: Trust God Even in Illness.
Psalm 55:17 (NKJV)
Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
[bctt tweet=”What about you? Do you have a certain time of day you spend with God? Does it help to remember He is with us all the time? I’d love to hear your thoughts.” username=”GaylWright”]
I’m linking up with: #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, #TrekkingThru, #Let’sHaveCoffee
Gayl, I love your poem and the progressive views of the sunrise! Over these last few years with chronic illness, the sunrise has become so special to me. I think maybe it’s because after hard nights, there is such a relief to feel another day starting over, and the sun shining fresh hope. God is so good to bring us HIS mornings! Thank you for this beautiful and encouraging reminder today. Hugs & Love to you!
Thank you so much, Bettie. I’m so glad you are able to see the sunrise. It’s a beautiful start to a new day. I am so thankful for you and your prayers and encouragement to me. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
Before my feet hit the floor, I want to thank God for the glorious day and His blessings. Some mornings I forget to thank Him and my day just isn’t the same. When I do remember to thank Him, a peace comes over me. 🙂
Melissa, I know what you mean. When I start the day focusing on me and whatever problems and complaints there are, it never goes well. But when I start out with God first, my attitude is so much better and yes, there is a peace that I would not otherwise have. Blessings to you, dear Melissa! xo
Mornings are my thing. I think it’s because of the quiet before life and others stealing my concentration away.
I love mornings, but I usually stay up too late at night so it’s hard to get up early. But when my son gets home from work after 11 pm I do like to spend some time with him. 🙂 Blessings to you, Lisa! Thanks for visiting.
Gayl, Thank you for this wonderful poem.Even we don’t know what happens to us in the very next moment.Every day, every minute, every second is the gift of Him and He sincerely needs us to utilize each moment meaningfully.Nowadays people are very busy with their lives and many are not finding sufficient time to spend with Him.
At the same time, how wonderful is life,when we spend more time with him.Start a day with gratitude and enjoy the day at the fullest with him.
Once again, Thank you Gayl for the Blessed poem.
With Love and Prayers
Athira
Athira, you are right that we can often get so busy that we don’t spend enough time with Him. I’m so glad the poem blessed you. Yes, the more time I spend with him the more I am aware that I am not alone. I want to live my days with gratitude. Blessings to you!
Love and prayers to you, too, dear Athira!
I needed this reminder. I have good intentions to begin my day with Jesus, but sometimes the phone is too appealing. I do have my quiet time in the morning but I’m trying to focus on God as I’m laying in bed and waking up too. Beautiful poem and The Presence Project sounds interesting too.
I totally understand, Mary, about the good intentions….. I’m glad you like the poem. 🙂 Yes, The Presence Project has been a blessing to me. Blessings to you and have a wonderful Sunday! xo