The first minutes of the day are some of the most influential. How we begin the morning can shape our thoughts, intentions, and spiritual posture for the hours ahead. Throughout Christian history, spiritual leaders and saints have leaned into the practice of morning prayers to align their hearts with God’s presence. From the early church fathers to modern voices of faith, these prayers have helped believers walk with the Holy Spirit from the break of day.
Morning Prayers
Here are ten powerful morning prayers drawn from the lives of great Christians. These expressions of devotion can inspire your own daily practice, bringing peace, focus, and strength as you welcome God into the start of your day.
1. St. Francis of Assisi – A Prayer for Peace and Surrender
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love…”
This timeless prayer is often attributed to St. Francis, whose humility and passion for Christ inspired generations. As a morning prayer, it invites us to become vessels of the Holy Spirit—bringing peace, love, and light into every interaction.
2. Martin Luther – A Prayer for Protection and Faith
“I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger…”
Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer from his Small Catechism is simple yet profound. It reminds believers that God’s protection covers even while they sleep, and it asks for strength to live each day in faithful service.
3. John Wesley – A Prayer of Daily Consecration
“I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt…”
This covenant prayer by John Wesley is a powerful declaration of surrender. Starting the day with these words connects you to a centuries-old Methodist tradition of offering your entire self to the purposes of God.
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4. St. Patrick – A Prayer for Presence and Courage
“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me…”
Known as The Breastplate of St. Patrick, this prayer is a profound invocation of Christ’s all-encompassing presence. It’s a bold way to begin the day with courage and assurance, walking into the unknown with the confidence of divine companionship.
5. A.W. Tozer – A Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Filling
“Lord, I want to know Thee. I want to be filled with Thy Spirit…”
Tozer’s writings were marked by a hunger for deeper intimacy with God. His morning prayers often centered on spiritual awakening and a desire to live fully under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Begin your day asking for that same filling.
6. Teresa of Avila – A Prayer for Trust and Rest
“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away…”
This brief but potent reflection by Teresa of Avila is a reminder that our confidence and peace are found in God alone. It’s a powerful morning reset for anxious minds and weary hearts.
