Morning Prayers

This morning, Sienna greeted me by saying, “I just woke up and said Luther’s Morning Prayer.”

“Really?  How does it go?” I replied.

“I thank You, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the veil foe may have no power over me. Amen.“

She smiled sweetly as she finished reciting the prayer.  I gave her a hug and soaked in the moment.  We’re all feeling a bit lost and uncertain during this time.  Seeing my angel girl turn to Jesus and pray a prayer she’s been taught for comfort and strength touched my heart deeply. One of the simple joys of this time of quarantine and family togetherness at home has been the time and space to slowly wake, spend time in prayer, and be more slow and intentional in our day.

Last night, while snuggling with Teo after reading, he asked me “What’s your favorite time of day?” To which I quickly replied, “Morning. I’m a morning person.” 

“Me too.  I like mornings best.  I don’t like afternoons as much because then the day is almost over. In the morning the day is new and good,” Teo confided.

I’ve been thinking about morning prayers a lot recently.  A couple weeks ago a prayer spontaneously popped in my mind upon waking one morning:

“Lord, I don’t know what the day ahead holds, but I know what you daily provide: mercies that are new each morning, peace that surpasses all understanding and graciously straight paths. Amen.”

This prayer quickly buried itself in my heart and soul, so that it’s one of my first thoughts upon waking each day.  Good timing too, as it’s never been truer than this past week that we simply don’t know what the day ahead holds.

What a week!  I’ve spent the better part of this past week at home on the phone trying to coordinate logistics for my team working remotely.  It’s really hard to believe that Monday was the tax deadline, it feels like a month ago! 

But, there’s also been a great freedom it letting go of the schedule and all the day-to-day demands of life.  I’ve felt incredibly present this past week.  Late this afternoon, the kids and I went for a long walk and I haven’t felt so connected to them, engaged in their conversation, and truly relaxed in a very long time.  We walked on the bike path I often run but they’d never been down.  It was fun to see them explore a place that was familiar to me but new to them. 

I’ve heard it said a lot this week and I really relate: the crisis of this pandemic will show us all what’s most important in life.  When things are so out of our control, we can rest and rely on the one who has everything under his gracious and loving will.