The Blessing of Morning Prayer

“From the unity it has attained, the whole day takes its order and discipline. This unity must be sought and found in morning prayer and will prove itself in work.

Prayer in the early morning is crucial for the whole day. Wasted time of which we are ashamed, temptations to which we succumb, feebleness and lethargy at work, disorder and indiscipline in our thoughts and in our intercourse with other people—these more often than not have their cause in the neglect of morning prayer.

The ordering and arrangement of our time will be more positive when it is the outcome of prayer. Temptations which the working day brings with it will be conquered if there has been real encounter with God.

Decisions demanded by our work will come more easily and readily when they are made not in the fear of others, but simply before the face of God. ‘And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men’ (Col. 3:23).

Even mechanical tasks will be carried out with greater patience, when they are recognized as tasks laid on us by God. Increased energy for work will be ours when we have asked God to give us today the strength our work requires.”

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The entire day receives order and discipline when it acquires unity.  This unity must be sought and found in morning prayer.  It is confirmed in work.  The morning prayer determines the day.  Squandered time of which we are ashamed, temptations to which we succumb, weaknesses and lack of courage in work, disorganization and lack of discipline in our thoughts and in our conversation with other men, all have their origin most often in the neglect of morning prayer.

Order and distribution of our time become more firm where they originate in prayer.  Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God.  Decisions, demanded by work, becomes easier and simpler where they are made not in the fear of men but only in the sight of God.  “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men,” (Colossians 3:23).  Even mechanical work is done in a more patient way if it arises from the recognition of God and his command.  The powers to work take hold, therefore, at the place where we have prayed to God.  He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work.

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O God,Early in the morning do I cry unto thee?
Help me to pray,And to think only of thee.
I cannot pray alone.
In me there is darkness,But with thee there is light.
I am lonely, but thou leavest me not.
I am feeble in heart, but thou leavest me not.
I am restless, but with thee there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with thee there is patience;
Thy ways are past understanding, but Thou knowest the way for me.
Prayer of Bonhoeffer while in a Nazi prison

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You Know The Way – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.

Help me to pray

And to concentrate my thoughts on you.

I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness, but with you there is light.

I am lonely, but you do not leave me.

I am feeble in heart, but with you is strength.

I am restless, but with you is peace.

In me is bitterness, but with you is patience.

I do not understand your ways,

But You know the way for me.

Restore me to freedom,

Help me to so live now,

That I may answer before You and before me.

Lord, whatever this day may bring,

Your name be praised!

 

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906-1945.  A German pastor who was imprisoned by the Nazis and eventually was executed for his role in opposing Hitler.