Good morning, my Lord and God. In the quiet of this new day, I come to you before the world awakens.
Thank you for waking my ear each morning, inviting me to listen to you like a disciple, eager for your wisdom.
Please, give me today an instructed tongue, that I may not speak empty words, but know how to sustain with a word those who are weary and despondent.
“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” (Isaiah 50:4)
Open my ear, that I may hear you
Lord, when you open my ear, you give me the grace not to rebel against your will or turn away from your plans. Help me today not to run from challenges, but to courageously accept the path you have prepared for me, even if I do not fully understand it.
“The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away.” (Isaiah 50:5)
You walked this path to the very end, Jesus. You allowed them to strike you, to pull out your beard, to disgrace you and spit on you.
You did not hide your face, because you knew that the Father’s will was your only path. Grant me a portion of that devotion, so that I too may remain faithful to you in the smaller trials of the day.
“I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:6)
Make my face like flint
But you, my Lord, are my help. In you is my strength. When it seems I stand alone against everyone, I can rely on a power that is beyond human calculation. Therefore, I will not be put to shame.
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7)
Who will contend with me if you are on my side? Who is my adversary if you are my advocate?
Help me to enter this day free, without condemnation, knowing that you are the one who vindicates me and gives my life meaning. Before you, all accusations and judgments are like a worn-out garment.
“It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.” (Isaiah 50:9)
In this faith, I begin this day.
Amen.
Amen 🙏