One of my favorite authors is a Roman Catholic nun, Sr. Joyce Rupp. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa. I taught the following prayer to my Confirmation Class as a brief way to enter the day with God in heart and mind. I find her prayer to be a means of grace and grounding, so I enter the day centered in Christ. Please join me in offering this prayer each day.
–Rev. Jeff Gannon, senior pastor
Daily Morning Prayer
- Offering the Creator praise and gratitude:
Stretch your arms high and wide above your head.
I thank you, Holy One, for the gift of another day of life. - Intentionally being aware of my spiritual bond with all of creation:
Hold arms out from your sides, a little below shoulder height. Move (pivot) to the left and to the right with your arms stretching outward toward the cosmos.
I reach out in compassion to my sisters and brothers throughout the universe. - Offering my life to the Holy One:
Stretch your arms out straight in front of you, slightly apart, palms up.
I give to you all I am and all I have. - Opening to accept what the Holy One offers me this day:
Pull your hands close together and cup them as a container.
I open my entire being to receive the gift that you have waiting for me in this new day. - Remembering to be kind to our planet Earth:
Bend over, reach down, and touch the floor, or better yet, the ground, if you are outside.
I touch this planet, Earth, with awe, reverence, and gratitude, promising to care well for her today. - Awareness of the indwelling presence of the Holy One:
Stand up, cross hands over your heart, and bow to the waist.
May I be united with you throughout this day, aware of your love strengthening me and shining through me.
From Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems and Reflections for Every Season by Joyce Rupp.