Morning Prayers to Start Your Day with God

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35)

Starting each day with a prayer of thanks is an amazing way to express gratitude. God, who is the source of life, blesses us with new opportunities and wonders every day. Therefore, it's crucial to turn to Him and be thankful. A prayer of gratitude helps us to focus on maintaining a joyful spirit, irrespective of any challenges we may encounter during the day.

Expressing gratitude to the Lord in the morning is a beneficial way to keep our focus on what is truly important. It is a powerful reminder of all the blessings we have been bestowed with and the never-ending love that God showers upon us. Here is an example of a morning prayer that you can recite to give thanks for a new day:

Dear God, As the sun rises on this new day, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you for the gift of this new day and the opportunity it brings. I pray for your guidance and presence throughout the day ahead. Grant me the wisdom to make good choices, the strength to face challenges, and a heart that overflows with love and kindness. Help me to be a source of positivity and encouragement to those I encounter. May this day be filled with purpose, joy, and blessings. I place it in your loving hands, trusting that you will lead me on the right path. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer for First Thing in the Morning

Good morning, Lord!

Thank You for a new day. Thank You that Your compassion is renewed every morning. Great is Your faithfulness and Your steadfast love, O Lord! I don’t know what all is going to happen today and how much I’ll get done, but You do. So I give this day to You.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Father. Energize me for Your work, because You know how tired these bones are. Awaken me to the wonder of Your salvation, and quicken my spirit to the reality of Your work in my life.

Lord, my mind is filled with creative ideas, but they’re all jumbled. Holy Spirit, come and hover over my mind like You hovered over the waters at creation and speak order out of the chaos! Help me to cease striving and to trust that You will give me all I need today to do the work You’ve given me to do.

You will be faithful to complete the good work You’ve started, and as I step out into my day, I declare Your sovereignty over every area of my life. I entrust myself to You and ask that You use me however You see fit.

This day is Yours. My body is Yours. My mind is Yours. Everything I am is Yours. May You be pleased with me today. Amen. -  Asheritah Ciuciu

Daily Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives. Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us when we don't thank you enough for who you are, for all you do, and for all you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, and fill us with your peace and joy. We love you, and we need you this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel

For My Family

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible blessing of my family. They mean everything to me, and I’m so grateful that You’ve placed us together. Today, Lord, I lift them up to You and ask for Your protection. Surround them with Your angels and shield them from harm, temptation, and any schemes of the enemy. Keep their hearts and minds fixed on You, even when life feels overwhelming. If they’re carrying worries or fears today, Lord, please bring them peace and reassurance. Remind them—and me—that You are always in control, no matter what challenges come our way. Help them to be strong when temptation strikes, quick to forgive when frustrations arise, and slow to anger when things don’t go as planned. May they shine Your light in a world that desperately needs hope.  When they feel anxious, wrap them in Your comfort. When they’re tired and overwhelmed, give them rest and renewal. Thank You for being the One who carries us through every moment. I trust my family to Your care, knowing You love them even more than I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Arise and Shine in My Heart

O Lord Jesus, Creator of all things, the light of the glory of the Father in heaven. I thank you for letting me see the light of a new day! Bright Sun of Righteousness, arise and shine in my heart so that I may walk as a child of light as in the day and finally see you in the eternal light of joy everlasting. Amen. ~ Source: Wilhelm Löhe.

Morning Thanksgiving

God, we give you sincere thanks for the rest of the past night and the gift of a new day, with its opportunities to serve you. Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of your service, that in the evening, we may again give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Source: Daybreak Office of the Eastern Church

See more Prayers of Gratitude to give thanks to God!

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"No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” - Isaiah 54:17

Morning prayers for protection help us remember that God's providence is always present and omnipresent. Nothing is more powerful than God and nothing happens without God allowing it. When we pray for God's protection, we show faith in Him and submission to His will. Blessed are those who seek shelter in God, Who grants the faithful eternal safeguard in His Kingdom.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2

Here is an example of a morning prayer to use for daily protection:

O Lord, our redemption. Be our protection. Direct our minds by your gracious presence. Watch over our paths and guide us with your love through the hidden snares of life.

Fix our hearts on you as we go forward, and following in faith, arrive at your goal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Divine Protection

Father God, as I start this new day, I lift up to you all my cares and concerns, knowing that you are my refuge and strength.

Lord, I ask for your divine protection and guidance over myself and my loved ones. Wrap your loving arms around us, shield us from harm, and guide us safely through the challenges that may arise.

I pray for open doors of opportunity, both seen and unseen. May your wisdom illuminate my path, and may I recognize the opportunities you place before me. Grant me the courage to step through those doors with faith and confidence.

Lord, I seek success, not solely for my own gain but for the greater good. May the work of my hands be a source of blessing to others and a reflection of your grace. Open doors for me to be a source of joy and encouragement to those I meet.

Fill my heart with your peace, your love, and your joy, so that I may radiate your presence to everyone I encounter today. May this day be a testament to your faithfulness and a step toward the purpose you have for my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for the Morning (Sixth Century)

O God, you have folded back the cover of the night to clothe us in the golden glory of the day. Chase from our hearts all gloomy thoughts, and make us glad in the brightness of hope, that we may effectively aspire to promised virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Source: An Ancient Collect

To Surrender Today to God

Dear Lord, As I wake up to this new day, I want to start by giving it all to You—my plans, my worries, my goals, and even my fears. I know You see the whole picture, and I trust You with every detail. I ask You to go before me today and guide my steps. Help me to walk in Your ways and keep my heart aligned with Your will. Whatever this day brings—whether challenges or opportunities—remind me that You are in control. Let me rest in the comfort of Your unfailing love, knowing that I don’t have to carry any burden alone. Guard my heart and mind, Father. When anxiety creeps in or doubts start to whisper, strengthen me with Your peace. Help me face whatever lies ahead with courage and faith, remembering that You are my refuge and shield. Your grace is enough for whatever this day holds, and I release it all into Your hands. Thank You for being my guide, my protector, and my constant source of hope. I surrender this day completely to You, confident that Your plans are good and that Your presence is the greatest gift I could ever have. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Discover more Prayers for Protection to seek God's shelter.

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"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Life can be difficult, with various trials, tribulations, and even victories that can leave us feeling weak and in need of strength. A powerful morning prayer for strength is essential to help us tackle the day ahead. By asking Our Father in heaven for His strength, we are reminded that we are not meant to face each day alone. We humbly ask for His strength to guide us through the challenges of a new day.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:26

It’s essential to simply ask God to guide, sustain, and grant us the spiritual, physical, and emotional strength to get through each day. It’s amazing what a daily morning prayer like this can do to keep us focused and prepared for whatever comes our way.

Here is a sample powerful morning prayer for strength to tackle the day:

Dear Lord, This daylight, upon waking and getting ready for my day, I pray that You give me strength today to be strong for You in this world full of temptations.

Lord, You know that there are struggles I will go through today. I pray that you are with me as I go through them. Carry me when I am too weak. If I stumble into temptation, forgive me, Father. Lead me away from them, Father. I need Your strength to overcome these evils.

When I triumph against them, I praise you, Father. Without You, I would not have life nor the strength to live. Bless my loved ones with the strength You have given me, Lord. You are worthy of all praise and worship. You are my strength and my protection.

Keep my family and me safe at all times, Lord, especially those in transit this morning. In Your Son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. (Source: PrayWithMe.com)

A Morning Prayer of Strength

Almighty God, you fill all things with Your presence. In Your great love, keep us near You this day. Grant that we remember You in all we do and have the strength to live by Thy commandments. Help us to love one another as You love us and forgive our sins as we forgive our transgressors, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953

A Daily Prayer of Awareness of God

Lord, open my mind that I may fully recognize Your presence in every moment of my daily life. Let me see You in the beauty of creation, in the faces of those I encounter, and even in the challenges I face. Remind me that You are always near, guiding and sustaining me.

Open my heart, Lord, so that I may freely offer You all my thoughts, joys, and struggles. May my heart be a place of worship, surrender, and gratitude, continually seeking to align with Your will. Fill it with Your peace and love, so that I may reflect Your grace to others.

Open my mouth, Lord, that I may speak to You throughout my day—not just in moments of need, but also in praise and thanksgiving. Teach me to turn to You as my first thought in all situations, knowing that You delight in hearing my voice and long for fellowship with me.

I am so grateful, Father, that You welcome my prayers, no matter how small or simple they may seem. To You, I give my all—my thoughts, my actions, and my heart. Use me today for Your glory. Amen.

Read more Prayers for Strength for when you feel weak.

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

We often seek strength, but it is important to also seek wisdom and discernment. These two elements of the human experience can be found in God, specifically through the Holy Spirit. As we face challenges in life, it is natural and wise to begin each day with morning prayers asking God to provide knowledge and discernment. We can call on the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout our day, helping us navigate through life's experiences.

Here’s a sample of a morning prayer seeking guidance:

Lord God Almighty, we pray for your great mercy, that you guide us towards you. And guide us to your will, to the need of our soul, for we cannot do it ourselves. And make our mind steadfast in your will and aware of our soul’s need.

Strengthen us against the temptations of the devil, remove from us all lust and every unrighteousness, and shield us against our foes, seen and unseen. Teach us to do your will, that we may inwardly love you before all things with a pure mind.

For you are our maker and our redeemer, our help, our comfort, our trust, our hope; praise and glory be to you now and forever. Amen

Prayer For Guidance

O Lord, enlighten our hearts by your holy radiance, Jesus Christ, that we may serve you without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

In Him may we survive the storms of this world, and by His guidance reach the country of eternal brightness; through your mercy, O blessed Lord, you live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer For Light to Follow God

O Lord, direct our steps this day into the way of peace and strengthen our hearts to obey your commandments. May the Dayspring visit us from on high and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, that they may adore you for your mercy, follow you for your truth, desire you for your sweetness, for you are the blessed Lord God of Earth, now and forever. Amen.

Source: Ed. Wilbur Patterson Thirkield, 1918

Start the Day with Holy Spirit Guidance

Holy Spirit, guide my every step today. Illuminate the path before me so that I may walk confidently, knowing I am within the will of God. Give me discernment in every decision, wisdom in my actions, and peace in my heart. Let my thoughts, words, and deeds reflect Your truth and grace. Help me to listen for Your still, small voice, to pause when You ask me to wait, and to move boldly when You call me to act. If I stray, gently nudge me back onto the path You’ve prepared. Remind me that Your ways are higher than mine and that Your plans are always for my good and Your glory. Thank You for Your constant guidance and care. I surrender this day to You and trust fully in Your perfect will. Lead me, Lord, and may my steps honor and glorify You. Amen.

Read more Prayers for Guidance in times of uncertainty.

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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Life often presents various challenges and difficulties. Praying for courage helps Christians confront these challenges with strength and determination. It allows them to persevere in the face of adversity and not be overcome by fear or doubt. 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

Living according to Christian values and ethics can be challenging in a world with differing moral standards. Prayer for courage helps Christians make difficult moral and ethical decisions, even when those decisions may be unpopular or result in personal sacrifice.

Use this prayer to ask for courage each morning:

Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus' name, Amen. - Dr. Ray Pritchard

Prayers for Courage Throughout the Day

Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by untrodden paths, through unknown perils. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen. — St. Augustine of Hippo

Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.

A Morning Prayer for the Work Day Ahead

Father God, Thank You for the gift of this day and for the opportunity to work and serve You through what I do. Help me to approach each challenge with a clear mind, a positive attitude, and a heart that seeks to honor You in all things. Lord, let my work be a reflection of Your excellence and love. Whether the tasks are big or small, may I do them with integrity, diligence, and joy. Grant me patience in moments of frustration, clarity in times of confusion, and perseverance when the workload feels heavy. Help me to be a light in my workplace today. May my words be kind, my actions be uplifting, and my attitude reflect Your grace.  Father, protect me from distractions that pull me away from my purpose. Remind me that everything I do is for Your glory and that my work is meaningful when done for You. Give me wisdom to prioritize well and to lean on Your strength when I feel weak. At the end of this day, may I look back and see how You were with me in every moment. Thank You for equipping me to face whatever comes my way. I trust You with this day and with all that is ahead. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Read More: Bible Verses about Courage for Inspiration.

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"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table." - Psalm 128:3

Starting the day by praying for friends, family, and loved ones is a wonderful selfless act. By asking God for the protection and assistance of others throughout their day, we show our care and concern for their well-being. From parents praying for their children to individuals invoking God on behalf of friends facing a difficult time, morning prayers for loved ones offer inspiration and a sense of eternal perspective. It is a beautiful way to begin the day with positive thoughts and empathy towards others.

Here’s an example of an inspiring prayer for loved ones: 

Lord, it is so easy to focus only on my needs, but I ask that You bless those around me (consider inserting specific names). Please help my family to see, feel, and experience Your love. Please protect and heal my loved ones. I thank You for the wonderful people I have in my life and I ask You to guide their paths and to bring them closer to You. Amen

A Prayer For Contentment Today

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for this new day and the blessings You’ve already poured into my life. Lord, I need Your help to find true contentment today. It’s so easy to get caught up in what I don’t have or what feels out of reach, but I want to rest in the truth that You are enough. Help me let go of comparison, the constant striving, and the worry that weighs me down. Open my eyes to see the beauty in the simple things—a smile, a quiet moment, or even the breath in my lungs. Let me carry a heart of gratitude for what You’ve already given me, instead of longing for what I don’t have. Lord, remind me that my worth isn’t found in my achievements, my possessions, or even how others see me. It’s found in You—in the love You have for me and the identity You’ve given me as Your child. Let that truth settle deep in my heart and give me peace. Let me walk through today with joy and assurance, knowing that You are my portion, my provider, and my greatest treasure. Thank You for being all I need. Amen.

Prayer to Start the Day with Jesus

Dear Jesus, Thank You for this new day and for waking me up with a fresh opportunity to walk with You. Before the busyness of the day begins, I want to pause and invite You into every moment ahead. I need Your guidance, strength, and presence to lead me through whatever comes my way. Jesus, I know I can’t do this day on my own, and I don’t want to try. Walk with me, strengthen me, and let Your peace fill my heart as I trust You with everything. Thank You for being my constant guide, my greatest friend, and my Savior. It is in your name that I pray, Amen.

Bible Verses about Prayer

"...I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress." ~ Psalm 59:16

"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch." Psalm 5:3

"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

"Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

Read more Prayers for Family to seek God's mercy for your Loved Ones.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. - Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

When we begin our day with prayer, we anchor ourselves in gratitude and align our hearts with God’s Word. It helps us rise above the chaos of life and focus on what truly matters, remembering to "seek first the Kingdom of Heaven." Let your morning devotion be a moment of renewal and trust in the One who holds your day and your future in His hands.

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." ~ Psalm 143:8

Lauds is a special part of the daily prayer routine, primarily within the Catholic Church, known as the Liturgy of the Hours or the Divine Office. Traditionally prayed in the early morning, Lauds is a beautiful way to start the day with a heart full of praise. The word "Lauds" comes from the Latin "laudare," meaning "to praise," which perfectly encapsulates its purpose. No matter what your denomination background, Lauds can help you form a morning habit of lifting prayers of gratitude and adoration while reflecting on God's purpose for the day ahead.

This prayer service includes various elements such as psalms, hymns, and scripture readings, all designed to help us focus our minds and hearts on God. Two key elements of Lauds is the Canticle of Zechariah, also known as the Benedictus, which celebrates the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises, as well as the Lord's Prayer found in the Gospels, a powerful example of a morning prayer for God's will. 

Incorporating Lauds into your daily routine can bring a profound sense of peace and purpose. Whether you are new to this practice or have been praying Lauds for years, each morning offers a fresh opportunity to connect with the divine and start the day with a spirit of praise.

Listen to the Your Daily Prayer Podcast for new prayers each morning!

When one season comes to a close, and we see new doors open for our lives, we need space to process grief while simultaneously embracing the joy that comes when we start something new. Subscribe to the Your Daily Prayer Podcast and hear a new prayer on your phone or computer every morning.

Pray through each day of the week:

Monday Morning Prayers
Tuesday Morning Prayers
Wednesday Morning Prayers
Thursday Morning Prayers
Friday Morning Prayers
Saturday Morning Prayers

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This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.