“Sweet dreams. See you in the morning,” my mother said to my daughter and me.
“Good night, Mema,” my daughter replied.
“Good night, my darling,” was the answer.
“Sleep well. I love you two,” I added.
My mom then called from her bedroom to ours, “Do you want French toast in the morning?”
“Of course,” I replied, “Yours is the best.”
And it was. Her powdered sugar-coated French toast was a treat served with crispy bacon, fruit, and coffee.
Sometimes when my daughter was home from college, we’d hug my husband good-bye and travel one county north to spend the night with my mom. Her country home was set between two huge oaks on a 19-acre plot with a pond, a pasture, and lots of hardwoods.
Realizing that my daughter would sleep late while she could, and my mom, by her own admission, was not a “morning person,” I tiptoed into the kitchen when a neighbor’s rooster crowed. Coffee mug in hand, I headed to the glassed-in porch which faced the pond. Sitting on the cushioned glider under a blanket, I had a front row seat to watch a new day begin.
Rich sky colors danced in reflection on the pond as a multitude of songbirds welcomed the dawn. Raindrops decorated a spider’s web just outside the window, and dew sparkled from the grassy lawn. Only the sights and sounds of nature…and me…and God.
What a perfect time for a conversation with my Heavenly Father! After praising Him and giving thanks for my blessings, I prayed for my family, friends, and those with needs. Then, I read my Bible to learn what God wanted to teach me before the day got underway.
We can certainly pray at any hour, but there’s something special about that morning time that sets the tone for my day. Later, I can seek wisdom from the Lord and share my requests, but when the day is fresh, it’s peaceful and quiet and new.
We know that Jesus sometimes prayed in the morning (Mark 1:35) and the psalmists wrote about communicating with God at that crisp, new time of day. Here are some verses I enjoy reading and praying.
Morning Prayer Verses
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
–Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
–Psalm 119:147 ESV
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 ESV
Now by nature, I’m a night owl, and although early morning is the best prayer time for me, I’m not always up bright and early. Please share below your favorite time to pray.
I’ve had those French Toast breakfasts before and prayed early on that same porch. Maybe we are related? Morning is a great time to talk with our Lord.
I’m thankful we share that joy! Mornings are so fresh and new but prayer is refreshing at any time. I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment!
Thank you for sharing your early morning reverie, Jeannie. It brings such peace! I also enjoy early mornings, when I’m up. Now that I’m retired, I often sleep beyond the dawning of the day, because by nature I’m a night owl. But I’m thankful that He’s always listening.
Like you, I’m later rising some days, but He’s always listening as you said. Thank you for your comments, faithful reader.
I pause throughout the day to pray and to talk to God. He is a GREAT listener!
Pausing throughout the day keeps our focus heavenward. A wise practice, Kimberly. Yes, He is always listening which gives us comfort.
I recall times sitting on your Mother’s back porch praising the Lord for His awesome handiwork! You could really feel His presence all around that property & see the wonders of His glory!
I too am a night owl, but I enjoy talking with the Lord all throughout my day. Many times I have wished I were a morning person because I think there is something so special about the new day dawning & His mercies fresh waiting for me.
Thanks for reminding us how important it is for us to connect daily with him
Love,
Karen
Karen,
I’m so glad you share those memories. Spending time with the Lord is refreshing at any time of day, but I like morning time best. I appreciate your comments more than you know.
My favorite time is the early morning, just before dawn breaks, Karen. There is a special kind of energy that good for praying then.
A few months ago, the Holy Spirit seemed to encourage me to share my private prayer time on Facebook Live. You’re kidding, right? I wanted to respond, but out of reverence and obedience, I honored the request even though I’m technically challenged and vain enough that I felt I had to get up early to put on some makeup to go “live.” I thought I was responding well to God’s request and happy that it was over. Only the next day, I sensed I was expected to continue.
Now I have a sunrise devotion “live” on Facebook at ChrisSauterManion Monday through Saturday. You’re invited to come pray with me, hear the day’s readings and psalm, and discover one new holy person each day. Please grace us with your presence one day. We start at 6:15 a.m. CT.
Chris
Thank you for sharing, Chris. A sunrise devotion sounds good.
Loved your post and the pictures. Reminded me how much I loved to visit with my mother (and how much I miss her now). Like you, I’m not by nature a morning person, but when I do rise very early and meet the dawn and watch the glorious sunrise, I marvel anew at God’s marvelous Creation. Morning is a wonderful time to commune with our Lord.
I’m glad the post rekindled sweet memories for you, Katherine. You encouraged me to watch a sunrise as I pray. Let me go set my clock a little earlier.
I too love those early mornings. We used to have a screened-in porch, and I would sneak out there even when it was cold. It seems easier to concentrate on the unseen things in the mornings, before all the things we CAN see crowd into our minds. Thank you for sharing this peaceful recollection.
Carole, thank you for sharing your observations. I’ve considered adding a portable heater to my deck when winter weather arrives. Of course, sitting with my Bible, journal, and a mug of coffee works in the bedroom corner as well. Blessings to you.Please come back to visit.