I’ve spent many mornings wishing I could magically grow my faith. Sadly, there’s no Miracle-Gro for faith. But I’ve discovered something that works better: prayers to start your day.

How we begin our morning affects how the day unfolds. True, the dog will still bark and the cereal will still spill and there will still be plenty of opportunities for frustration to creep in. But when we turn our face toward Jesus, something changes inside us: we remember who God is, and who we are to Him. 

Prayer is simply a conversation — with the Creator of this great, wonderful world who thinks the world of you.

I invite you to spend a little time with Him right now, using one of these prayers to start your day. Come back any time to pray the prayer you need!

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Sip Your Coffee (or Tea)

Dear Jesus,

Slow me down with every sip, Jesus. I often feel like rushing, but Lord, You aren’t in a hurry. You’re right here – in all the ways of the morning. In the way this cup warms my hands, in the way the sun slips silently over the horizon, in the way the seed unfurls first as roots, and in the way the seasons each have their time to shine. 

Help me to trust that You know the perfect timing, and You’re never late (Isaiah 60:22).

May I be patient with myself, other people, and You today. May I give You space to continue the good work You’re doing in my life. And may I carry this stillness in my soul into the rest of my day.

In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Watch a Sunrise

Hey Lord,

Still my heart for a moment, as I stand here in awe of You. Your glory overwhelms me. Your presence reassures me. Your peace unknots the tangled thoughts in my head.

As I breathe in the beauty of today’s unrepeatable, one-of-a-kind sunrise, I thank You for Your creation, Your creativity, and Your company.

As I exhale long and slow, I ask, God, would You keep my eyes open to You? 

No matter what the day brings, may I stay awake to where You’re at work.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Open Your Bible

Meet me here, Jesus, in Your Word.

Open my eyes to see You on each page. Open my ears to hear You in each sentence. Open my heart to receive You in each word.

You promise to come close when I “draw near” to You (James 4:8). And this morning, I need You. I need Your wisdom, peace, and strength. But mostly, I want to know You — how You think and how You move. Teach me as I read Your Word. 

In Your name I pray, Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Hold Your Dream Loosely

Dear Lord,

Whether this dream flies or goes back to the drawing board, may it be for Your glory. 

In my yes to Your nudges, be glorified.

In my pause to listen, be glorified.

In my obedience to what’s next, be glorified.

In my surrender of the timeline I had in mind, be glorified.

In my trust as I place my hand in Yours, be glorified.

I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Take a Morning Walk

Good morning Jesus,

May I join You for a walk? As my day begins, I want to put You first, one step at a time. 

Help me to fall in sync with You. Help me listen to You, rather than making our time together “all about me.” I want to hear from You. 

Where are Your hands bringing hope and healing to my corner of the world?

Who in my path can I love really well today?

Lead me, Lord! Show me what’s next. Give me the wisdom and compassion I’ll need. May I be willing and ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Light a Candle

Holy God,

I give You my full attention. This feels like a holy moment, with just the two of us. 

As I strike the match and watch the flicker, fan my desire for You. As I tilt the match to the candle wick, unite my heart with Yours (Psalm 86:11). And as I watch the flame dance, enfold me in Your great embrace.

In this sliver of my morning, I seek You.

Before the distractions of the day, I take a moment to simply adore You.

You are glorious and good. Worthy of my worship. Priceless and present.

In Your holy name I pray, Jesus. Amen. 

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Find Grace for Yourself

Lord,

No matter how hard I am on myself, You gently take my unkind words and replace them with truth.

When I say I’m too slow, You remind me that I’m growing. You’re not in a rush, so I don’t have to be either.

When I worry it’s more than I can handle, You whisper that You’re here. I don’t have to be afraid of anything because I won’t have to face it alone.

When I put myself down, You lift my eyes to You so I may see as You do. Your abounding grace helps me find grace for myself. 

Thank You, Jesus! In Your name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Practice Forgiveness

Lord,

When I struggle to forgive, remind me what You gave for me — true and deep forgiveness. Sometimes I forget that my own sins stack far above my head. That I’m the wretch referred to in the hymn “Amazing Grace.” 

I don’t deserve Your forgiveness, but You give it anyway.

I could never earn Your forgiveness, but You never ask me to.

May I carry this gratitude in my heart as I forgive the people I need to today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pin the Prayers to Start Your Day

Did you find these prayers to start your day helpful? If so, you can pin them below or share them directly with a friend.

Also, I’d love to leave you with a gift – a Wake Up Well Checklist to help you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, like Jesus said in Mark 12:30. This simple, doable rhythm can take as few as five minutes. Grab your free download below!

If you enjoyed these prayers to start your day, you might like these too:

• Monday Morning Prayer
• Tuesday Morning Prayer
• Wednesday Morning Prayer
• Thursday Morning Prayer
• Friday Morning Prayer
• Sunday Morning Prayer

Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee with Twyla Franz