Morning rituals

Every morning before my eyes even open I start my day with God.  I don't know how or when this routine started, but this morning in the midst of it, I thought about how my day just doesn't start without it.  It is such a habit that even if everything else in my morning routine changes, this still stays the same.  And as I was thinking about the whole ritual, I was thinking about the words in the two prayers (which have meshed together and become one for me), and how beautiful they are.

Good morning, Father.  You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new. So here I am to ask you, Lord, if You'll renew me too. Forgive the many errors, Lord, that I made yesterday and help me try again dear Lord, to walk closer in Your way.  But Father, I am well aware that I can't make it on my own. So take my hand, Lord, hold it tight, for I can't and don't want to walk alone.  This is another day, O Lord.  I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready for whatever it may be.  If I am to stand, help me to stand bravely.  If I am to sit, help me do it quietly.  If I am to lie, help me do it patiently.  And if I am to do nothing, help me do it gallantly.  Make these words more than words and give me Your Spirit, Lord Jesus.

These are both from the Book of Common Prayer somewhere.  I have been waking up with it for so long that this is from memory, which also means I may have made slight adjustments.  It's funny because it is literally the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about getting up.  After it, I do my bible study reading and/or devotional (right now I'm doing Now is the time: Acts from YOUversion) and then I pray for those on my mind and on my prayer list.  During that time a scripture usually starts to run around in my brain that I share on Facebook.  Then I get up and start my day.  But always this prayer and almost always before I open my eyes.

I love that I start the day this way.  I love that, no matter what is going on, God is a part of me and my life.  I love that each day I start with Him.  I love that I ask for presence to make a difference in my life.  And I love that it's not just routine, but that there are days, like today, that I can sit and ruminate (I love that word) in how I don't just believe in God, but He is a part of who I am and all I do.  I may truly fall and fail at moments, but each day starts fresh and new with Him at the helm.  It's what makes me who I am:  imhopeful4ever!