Topical Bible: Prayer: Daily, in the Morning

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Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God. The practice of daily morning prayer holds a significant place in the spiritual lives of believers, offering a time for reflection, supplication, and thanksgiving at the start of each day.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations regarding the importance of morning prayer. In Psalm 5:3, David declares, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." This verse highlights the practice of seeking God early in the day, setting a tone of dependence and expectation for His guidance and provision.

Similarly, Psalm 143:8 states, "Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul." This passage underscores the desire for divine direction and the expression of trust in God's steadfast love.

Examples from Scripture

The life of Jesus Christ provides a paramount example of morning prayer. Mark 1:35 records, "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." Jesus' commitment to early morning prayer demonstrates the importance of seeking solitude and communion with the Father before engaging in the day's activities.

The prophet Daniel also exemplifies the discipline of regular prayer. Daniel 6:10 notes, "When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees to pray and give thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Although this verse does not specify morning prayer, it illustrates the consistency and dedication in Daniel's prayer life, which likely included morning devotions.

Theological Significance

Morning prayer is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound expression of faith and reliance on God. It acknowledges God's sovereignty over the day and invites His presence and guidance. By beginning the day with prayer, believers align their hearts and minds with God's will, seeking His wisdom and strength to face the challenges ahead.

The act of morning prayer also serves as a reminder of God's mercies, which are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:23). This renewal of mercy encourages believers to approach each day with hope and gratitude, confident in God's faithfulness.

Practical Application

Incorporating daily morning prayer into one's routine can be transformative. It can be a time of personal reflection, reading Scripture, and offering prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Believers are encouraged to find a quiet place, free from distractions, to focus their hearts and minds on God.

Morning prayer can also be a communal practice, shared with family or fellow believers, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Whether alone or with others, the discipline of morning prayer cultivates a deeper relationship with God and a greater awareness of His presence throughout the day.

In conclusion, daily morning prayer is a vital practice for Christians, rooted in biblical tradition and exemplified by figures such as David, Daniel, and Jesus. It is a time to seek God's face, express dependence on Him, and prepare spiritually for the day ahead.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 5:3
My voice shall you hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer to you, and will look up.
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Psalm 88:13
But to you have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent you.
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Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning; for in you do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul to you.
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Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for you: be you their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
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Library

New Every Morning is the Love
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 1. New every morning
is the love. LM [11]Melcombe: Samuel Webbe, 1782. John Keble, 1822. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 1 new.htm

When Morning Gilds the Skies
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Through the Week 37. When morning
gilds the skies. Six 6's [138]Laudes Domini: Joseph Barnby, 1868. ...
/.../daily prayer through the week 6.htm

Now that the Sun is Gleaming Bright
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 5. Now that the sun is
gleaming bright. CM [20]St. Peter: Alexander R. Reinagle, 1836. Latin; Tr. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 5 now.htm

Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 2. Awake, my soul, and
with the sun. LM [13]Morning Hymn: Francois Barthelemon, 1785. PART II. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 2 awake.htm

My Father, for Another Night
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 6. My Father, for another
night. CM [22]St. Timothy: Henry W. Baker, 1875. Henry W. Baker, 1875. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 6 my.htm

Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 7. Forth in thy Name,
O Lord, I go. LM [24]Pixham: Horatio Parker, 1901. Charles Wesley, 1749. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 7 forth.htm

Come, Holy Ghost, who ever One
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 8. Come, Holy Ghost,
who ever One. LM [26]Ludborough: Timothy R. Matthews, 1846. Latin; St. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 8 come.htm

Come, My Soul, Thou must be Waking
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 3. Come, my soul, thou
must be waking. 8.4.7.8.4.7 [15]Haydn: arr. from Franz Joseph Haydn, 1791. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 3 come.htm

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Morning 4. Christ, whose glory
fills the skies. Six 7's [18]Ratisbon: Werner's Choralbuch, 1815. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 4 christ.htm

Tarry with Me, O My Savior
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Evening 31. Tarry with me, O
my Savior. 8.7.8.7 [108]L'Emmanuello: Lorenzo Perosi, 1903. [109]St. Paul's: ...
/.../daily prayer evening 31 tarry.htm