Morning Prayer - Because You Find Me In Littleness

My God,

may my first thought and my first word of this day be your praise. I desire for my soul to boast only in you today, not in my achievements, not in my own strength, but in the refuge I find in you.

May your praise fill my mouth and my heart, so that others who are humble and weary may hear it and rejoice with me.

Today, I come before you once again as one who is poor. Poor in spirit, in need of your grace, your nearness, and your guidance.

I look to you, that my face may be radiant, and that the shame of my failings and worries will not have the final say. You are the God who leaves all else to seek me in my smallness.

I am the poor one who calls, and you hear me

Lord, you see the distress of my heart. You see my personal Egypt, where I am sometimes haunted by worries, fears, and feelings of helplessness.

You hear my cry, even the silent, unspoken one. You know my sorrows better than I know them myself.

“The LORD said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.'” (Exodus 3:7)

Therefore, today I run to you. Your name is my protection. When the world seems dangerous and hostile, when I feel threatened, your name is my strong tower. In it, I find a safety that no external force can destroy.

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

You dwell with me, who have a contrite heart

What a mystery, Lord! You, who are High and Exalted, who dwell in eternity, choose a contrite and humble heart for your home. You dwell not only in the heights, but also in my smallness, in my brokenness. Thank you for coming today to revive my spirit and my heart.

“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” (Isaiah 57:15)

You help me understand that my poverty is not an obstacle, but an opportunity. An opportunity to become rich in faith. To become an heir of the Kingdom you have promised to all who love you. Accept my love, though it is weak and imperfect.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)

Therefore, at the beginning of this day, I entrust everything to you. Every worry, every fear, every burden. I place all of this into your hands, because I trust that you care for me. I know that I am safe, because I am simply Yours.