Most of us have a morning routine that includes bathroom duties, breakfast, medications, and all that goes with it. For most of us it has become such a habit that we don’t have to think about it. We just do it. One of the items that was missing for a long time in my morning routine is praying. I had heard about monks who pray the Liturgy of the Hours. I even visited a monastery where the men get up a 3:00 am to pray. It was wonderful how their whole day was punctuated by prayer. I came home wanting to do something like it, but my ability dwarfed my intentions. Never happened. I prayed as a child with my mom, and we often prayed the rosary in the evening, but I let go of it as an adult.
As I grew older, facing life’s challenges, building relationships, starting a family, and facing financial issues and all that goes with adult living, I once again turned to the Lord in prayer. It seems the older I get the more I pray. Now, I begin my day with prayer, even before I get out of bed. I want to share with you a prayer that my mother taught me and my siblings when we were young, at home. “Dear Jesus, I offer up this day and all that I am, and all that I might think, do and say for your honor and glory. Bless everyone of my efforts this day that I might succeed in all that I do or even attempt to do. Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation. Sweet heart of Jesus, be my love. Make my heart like unto thine.”
This isn’t the only prayer I pray, but it is a great way to start every day. I find it helpful to read the Bible every day using either Our Daily Bread or the Word Among Us along with the Exodus 90 podcast and a friend sends the scriptures everyday with a reflection. I am truly blessed to have these resources in my day. I also have prayers in the evening, my night prayers asking for God’s blessing on all.
As prayer became more a part of my life I am less anxious, worrying less, and trusting more in the love that God has for me. I am more confident that God has my future in his hands. He also looks out for my family, friends, and patients. The love and care that I have for them is nothing compared to his. I only need to do my best, knowing that he will use the little that I do to greatly help them. This short time on Earth is nothing, like a shooting star, until we live for an eternity with him. I hope to see all of you there.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
