A Prayer for the Ordinary Hours
A short prayer for whatever the day holds, written for anyone who prays alone before the house wakes up.
Lord, the day has not yet decided what it will ask of me. Before it does, I come to you as I am — not rested, not ready, but willing.
Thank you for the night behind me and the breath still moving in and out without my help. I did not earn this morning. You gave it.
Give me attention today, not just activity. Let me notice the people in front of me instead of the list in my head. Where I am anxious, steady me. Where I am certain, humble me. Where I am tired, carry what I cannot.
I bring you the parts of today I am already dreading, and the parts I am not yet aware of. I do not ask you to remove the hard hour, only to be present in it with me.
Make my words today more careful than clever, and my silence, when I choose it, more patient than proud.
Whatever this day becomes, let it end with me still turned toward you.
Amen.
More in prayer
A Prayer for the Tired
For the end of a long day, when strength is thin and the work is not done.
A Prayer for the Tired
For the ordinary evening when the day has asked more than we had to give.
A Prayer for the Tired
For the hours when the work is not finished and the strength is nearly gone.
