Prayer of the Day

Father, thank You for this new morning. Thank You that Your mercies did not run out overnight — that they are new again today, waiting for me like light under the door.

Before I check the news, before I count my worries, before the day tells me who I have to be, let me hear You first.

Thank You for sleep, and for waking. Thank You for breath in my body, for a roof over my head, for the people You have given me to love. I forget these things by noon, Lord. Right now, I remember.

I don't know everything today holds. Some of it I'm looking forward to. Some of it I've been dreading since last night. You know which is which. Go ahead of me into all of it.

Give me strength for the work in front of me, patience for the people beside me, and honesty in everything I say. Guard my tongue when I'm tired. Soften my heart when I'm right and someone else is wrong.

If there is someone today who needs a kind word, help me notice them. If there is something I've been putting off out of fear, give me courage to begin it — just to begin.

You were faithful yesterday. You will be faithful tomorrow. Help me trust You for all the hours in between — the ones I've planned, and the ones that will surprise me.

And when this day is over, whatever it turned out to be, let me lie down knowing I walked through it with You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Father, the day is over and the bed is ready. Before I sleep, I put myself back in Your hands — the same hands that held me all day long.

Thank You for everything today held, and for getting me through the parts I didn't think I'd get through.

Forgive what needs forgiving. I don't want to sleep on an unconfessed heart. You know my failures better than I do, and You are kinder to me about them than I am.

Bless the people I love — each one, by name, in my heart. Keep them through the night.

Now, Lord, let me sleep. Not the thin sleep of a worried mind, but the deep sleep of someone who knows the door is locked, the night is watched, and the One keeping guard never closes His eyes.

Into Your hands I commit my spirit — tonight, tomorrow, and always.

In Jesus' name, Amen.