Good Morning, Lord

Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart….
Fill us at daybreak with your mercy, that all our days we may sing for joy. (Psalm 90:12,14)

There are many good ways to start the day with God. As Catholics, we have Morning Prayer, the Morning Offering, and daily Mass. But sometimes I roll out of bed and head for the shower without remembering to thank God for His constant love and grace, for the gift of a good-night’s sleep and the possibilities that a bright new day brings. Somewhere between turning off the clock radio and turning on the coffeemaker, I want to remember to turn my thoughts to God and turn my day over to His guidance. Most days, all I can muster up is a whispered, “Good morning, Lord.” But I have been working on this area of my prayer life.

I recently read a little booklet that suggested using a verse from Scripture, such as Psalm 27:1, as a way to greet God in the morning. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Amen! What a great idea. Psalm 27 is sub-titled a Triumphant Song of Confidence; but much as I hate to admit it, I just don’t jump out of bed with that kind of enthusiasm. Still, I know that God deserves more than a mumbled, “Good morning” as I head toward the bathroom.

One translation of Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to realize how short our lives are. Then our hearts will become wise.” Life is short, and it is a gift. So now, I have my clock radio set to remind me to thank God for the gift of a new day. Every morning it plays “This Good Day” by Fernando Ortega with these great day-starting, God-thanking lyrics:

“This good day, it is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place because You made it to.
I lift my voice to sing a song of praise on this good day.”

I may not be ready to burst into song first thing in the morning, but most days, I like to listen to that song all the way through and then to pause as I pass the window just to see what this good day looks like. Then I can smile and say:

“Good morning, Lord, and thank You.
Thank You for reminding me that my days are numbered and precious.
Thank You for this good day. Whether it’s sunny or foggy or snowy,
it’s still Your gift to me.
Thank You for being my light and my strength and for taking away my fear.
Thank You for a song of joy that wakes me up and lifts my heart to You.
This is going to be a good day! Good morning, Lord!”

“This Good Day” by Fernando Ortega. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7nZVtZFE0A

In the morning let me hear of your mercy, for in you I trust.
Show me the path I should walk, for I entrust my life to you.
Rescue me, Lord, from my foes, for I seek refuge in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level.
For your name’s sake, Lord, give me life;
in your righteousness lead my soul out of distress. Psalms 143:8-11

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24