Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Wednesday, October 29, 2014
“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
Most of us have morning rituals. Some pray, exercise, eat breakfast, or have a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Others read the newspaper, watch the news, or set the DVR to record a favorite television show while they are out and about. Some of our rituals are helpful, while others are a hindrance.
Morning prayer is a practice that every household should be involved in. It is a good thing to pray with your family. Even if you have no family in your home, it is still absolutely necessary to weave prayer into the fiber of your morning practice. The Bible affirms this practice, and we gain a lot by doing so.
What kinds of benefits can be derived from talking to the Lord at the beginning of our day? As with any relationship that is worthwhile, communication is critical in our relationship with God. Although He knows everything, He wants to hear what we have to say, and He wants to share His thoughts with us. Many of us forget the second half of this equation. God really want us to be attentive and listen for His voice. It is often in the stillness of the early morning devotional time, that God’s voice is most distinct and clear.
Along with communication, we can enjoy the instructional aspect of prayer. When God makes Himself clear through His Word, His still small voice, nature, providence, or any other means He chooses, He often instructs us on what we need to do or avoid, as the case may be. The instructions of God are always to steer us in the right direction. We can avoid many mistakes for the day if we simply listen for God’s instruction.
We are able to receive therapy from God when we pray in the morning.
I know this sounds weird, but it’s true. Most therapists are very good listeners. What better person is there to share our likes, dislikes, wants, needs, and goals with than God? God is absolutely the best therapist in the universe. He helps us to daily manage our lives and make right decisions.
Not the least of all the benefits of prayer is God’s blessing. We have the ability through our devotion and prayer to make God happy. This certainly makes sense. All good friends like to be affirmed periodically and God is no different in this. The aspect of this that is different is that affirming God is to praise Him for His matchless works in the universe. He is the only one truly worthy of affirmation and praise.
So there you have it. There are many benefits of beginning the day with prayer, even to the point of blessing God Himself. Every time you think of His goodness, breathe a word of prayer. I am positive that He will appreciate it.–L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)
