7 Prayers to Breathe in God’s Strength First Thing in the Morning

  • Whitney Hopler Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
  • Published Jun 21, 2024
7 Prayers to Breathe in God’s Strength First Thing in the Morning

Morning prayers can serve as a way to breathe in God’s strength, filling your heart and mind with God’s presence from the very start of the day – first thing in the morning. Just as your body needs oxygen to function, your soul requires the life-giving breath of God’s Spirit to thrive. The morning is an ideal time to connect with God, set the tone for the day, and draw on God’s strength. In a world filled with distractions and demands, the quiet moments of the early hours give you a valuable opportunity to communicate with God.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God early in the day. Psalm 5:3 points out: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Establishing a morning routine that includes prayer can transform your entire day for the better by giving you the peace and purpose you need to go through the day well. By dedicating the first moments of your day to prayer, you invite God to be a part of every aspect of your day, allowing God’s presence to infuse every other activity in your schedule during the day.

The English word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word “inspirare,” which means “to breathe into.” The connection between breath and inspiration is profound. Breath is the essence of life, given to you by God. Your breath not only makes it possible for you to live physically; it also symbolizes the spiritual life and strength you receive from God. Here are seven prayers to help you start your mornings by drawing on God’s strength.

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  • Person on a beach breathing in and out

    1. A Breath Prayer

    Dear God, as I start my day, I want to connect with you deeply by synchronizing my breath with your presence. Your Word encourages me in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray continually,” and I pray that breath prayers – brief prayers I can say just during the time it takes to inhale and exhale – become a seamless part of my daily routine. “I breathe in your presence,” I say as I inhale, and “I release my stress,” I say as I exhale. “Thank you for your love,” I say as I inhale, and “God, I love you,” I exhale. Let my every breath draw me closer to you, grounding me in your strength and peace. Holy Spirit, please intercede for me in these moments of quiet, rhythmic prayer. As I breathe in, let me remember your words in Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

    Give me comfort and strength in breath prayers, knowing that with every breath, I am inviting your presence into my life. Help me to find stillness in the busyness of life, grounding myself by noticing your presence with me. Through your Holy Spirit, empower me to make this practice a natural part of my day, whether I am at work, at home, or in any other setting. Please let these brief moments of connection with you refresh my spirit as my physical breathing refreshes my body. Thank you, God, for the gift of breath and the opportunity to use it as a way to draw closer to You. May this simple practice of saying brief prayers while I breathe deepen my relationship with you, infusing my day with a greater awareness of your presence with me. Thank you, God. Amen. 

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  • 2. A Gratitude Prayer

    2. A Gratitude Prayer

    Dear God, thank you for the countless blessings you have poured into my life. As I start a new day that you have generously given me, I’m filled with gratitude. God, I’m grateful for all the loving relationships in my life – with you, and with my family and friends. I’m thankful for my home, my health, my job, and so much more. You have provided for me, protected me, and guided me through all circumstances. I present my requests for today to you with thanksgiving, as Philippians 4:6 guides me to do when it says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

    I trust that you will help with whatever I need today. As James 1:17 says, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Please help me to notice and appreciate the wonder of your work in my life. When I experience your provision today, let me be inspired by your wondrous power and unlimited love for me. Let gratitude transform my outlook and set a positive tone for my day. Strengthen my awareness of your constant involvement in my life from day to day. Thank you, God. Amen.

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  • 3. A Meditation Prayer

    3. A Meditation Prayer

    Dear God, this morning, I want to hear fresh guidance from you through your Word. Help me to meditate on what I read in the Bible, letting it sink deep into my heart and mind. As Joshua 1:8 encourages me: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Please show me the passages that you want me to reflect on today. Help me to understand them and apply them to my life with wisdom.

    When I encounter situations today where I need your guidance, remind me of what I’ve meditated on this morning, and let those words help me make the best decisions. When I encounter stressful situations today where I need your peace, remind me of what you’ve told me as I meditated on Your Word. Let your Word be a lamp for my feet and a light on my path, as Psalm 119:105 says. Transform my mind and heart for the better through the power of your living words in the Bible. Thank you, God. Amen.

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  • hand holding compass

    4. A Guidance Prayer

    Dear God, please guide me in all that I do today. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, I trust in you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways, I submit to you, knowing that you will make my paths straight. Just like Psalm 25:4-5, I pray: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

    I need discernment to make decisions well today and to relate to the people in my life with love today. God, I humble myself before you, recognizing my need for your wisdom. Your Word promises in James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” So, God, I’m asking for your wisdom today. Help me to listen for your voice and follow your guidance. Lead me, God, and help me to trust and obey your guidance. I look forward to going into my day empowered by your guidance for whatever situations I’ll face today. Thank you, God. Amen.

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  • do not worry about tomorrow

    5. A Surrender Worries Prayer

    Dear God, this morning, I confess that I’m struggling with worries. I choose to cast all my anxiety on you, as 1 Peter 5:7 urges me to do, because I know that you care for me. Help me to trust in your sovereignty and find peace in your presence. God, you know the concerns that weigh heavily on my heart and mind. I surrender them to you, asking for you to take care of each of those concerns and do what’s best in those situations, in your perfect timing. Please fight anxiety for me by empowering me not to worry.

    Help me to live with faith in the present, trusting that you are in control of my future. Whenever I catch myself worrying today, I plan to pray about whatever I’m worrying about and rely on you to replace my worries with your peace. Help me to focus on your promises and to trust that you are working all things together for my good, as Romans 8:28 assures me. Thank you, God. Amen.

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  • 6. A Strength and Protection Prayer

    6. A Strength and Protection Prayer

    Dear God, please send me your strength and protection for the challenges and temptations you know I will face today. Your Word promises in Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Renew my strength today, God. Help me to rely on your power rather than my own. Be my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust, as Psalm 91:1-2 says.

    Please protect me from harm and guide me through every situation today where I need your help. Empower me to stand strong in my faith and to act with courage and integrity. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, so I can do whatever I need to do today well. Thank you, God. Amen.

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  • woman arms up in praise celebration gratitude in wildflower field

    7. A Praise Prayer

    Dear God, I praise you for your great holiness. As Psalm 145:1-2 says: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” I am in awe of you and your wonderous work in my life. Thank you for faithfully loving me and answering my prayers so powerfully. Just as you have done that day after day until now, I trust that you will do that today. I look forward to seeing what you plan to do in my life today. Let my day be filled with the joy of knowing and serving you. As I go about my day, please help me to live in a way that brings honor to your name. Thank you, God. Amen. 

    In conclusion, starting your day with morning prayers can profoundly impact your well-being throughout each day. By breathing in God’s strength through praying first thing in the morning, you invite God’s presence into every aspect of your life. Remember, each breath you take is a gift from God. It’s an opportunity to draw closer to God and live inspired by his Spirit. As you build these morning prayer habits, you can find the strength you need to manage any situation you encounter later in the day.

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    headshot of author Whitney HoplerWhitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on  X/Twitter.