Some mornings there is time for a long, unhurried prayer. Most mornings there isn't. These seven prayers each take less than a minute, and you're welcome to change every word of them. The psalmist's habit was a simple one:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
Psalm 5:3 (KJV)
1. For a full day
Lord, today is already crowded. Before it begins, I give it to You. Order what I can't, and help me be present for the people in front of me. Amen.
2. For gratitude
Father, thank You for this morning and the breath in my lungs. Before I ask You for anything, I simply say thank You. Amen.
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
3. For when you're tired
God, I'm starting this day tired. Be my strength where I have none. Help me do the next thing and leave the rest with You. Amen.
4. For peace over worry
Lord, You know what I'm worried about before I name it. I name it anyway, and I place it in Your hands. Quiet my mind this morning. Amen.
5. For your family
Father, watch over the people I love today, the ones close by and the ones far away. Let them know they are loved, and let me be part of how they know it. Amen.
6. For patience and kindness
Lord, help me to be slow to anger and quick to listen today. When I'm short with someone, turn me back gently. Amen.
7. For when you don't know what to say
God, I don't have the words this morning. Here I am anyway. Amen.
That last prayer may be the most honest of the seven, and it is enough.
How to make a short prayer part of your morning
Pick one prayer and keep it for a week, so that it becomes your own. Say it at the same point each morning: before you get up, while the coffee brews, or at a red light on the way to work. Even Jesus looked for a quiet moment before the day filled up:
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Mark 1:35 (KJV)
You don't need a solitary place. A parked car or a quiet kitchen will do.
If a morning prayer leaves you wanting a little more, here is a simple way to begin a daily devotional. In Fig Devotional, each reflection includes a short prayer and ends with a card you can keep.
Common questions
What is a good short prayer for the morning?
A good morning prayer can be one honest sentence. Try: Lord, thank You for this day. Stay close to me in it, and help me notice You. Amen.
Does a prayer have to be long to count?
No. Jesus taught His followers not to rely on many words (Matthew 6:7). A short, sincere prayer is still prayer.
Can I pray before getting out of bed?
Yes. There is no required posture or place. Many people pray before their feet touch the floor.