Like the first morning, fresh and full of promise. Just as the hymn celebrates God’s re-creation of each new day, we are invited to begin ours in worship and surrender. In a way we are His re-creation (new creation) in Christ Jesus too.
In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 (BSB)
This verse feels almost like a divine promise, a covenant of attentiveness. The Lord hears our voice first thing in the morning. When we put Him first, making Him our waking thought, everything changes.
The transformative power of morning priority
I can testify that making this a daily norm reshaped my life. Waking under His sovereignty brings peace and joy that become strength for the day ahead. “The joy of the LORD is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Starting with Him sets the tone; His presence infuses the hours that follow.
The morning sacrifice
The psalmist speaks of laying a “plea” (“prepare a sacrifice for you”, ESV) before God at daybreak. This isn’t a guilt offering but a thank offering, a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving from our lips.
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:15–16 (NIV).
Begin with gratitude and praise. Let your first words honour Him. Then carry that spirit into the day through acts of goodness and generosity.
Practical ways to cultivate this habit
- Prioritise your quiet time: the morning mind is fresh, rested, and alert, no competing distractions yet. Set apart, intentional, quiet moments before the world rushes in. Get God in before the world gets to you.
- Discipline your evening and be intentional: go to bed early, exercise self-control, and practice perseverance. A well-rested body supports a disciplined mind.
- Prepare through prayer: start by offering praise, confessing dependence, and seeking His guidance. Lay your day before Him, your plans, meetings, and moments.
- Put on the full armour of God; every day holds spiritual battles. “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11, NIV). Morning is the time to arm yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word.
Living expectantly
Approach the day with watchful expectation. Stay aware of His presence. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, divine appointments, opportunities to help, to share the gospel, or gently turn conversations toward Him.
A fruitful day isn’t random; it’s purposeful. We live ready, “for we do not know when [He] comes” (Matthew 24:42–44). Intentionality turns ordinary moments into eternal significance.
The promise of starting well
Anything that begins well has a greater chance of ending well. What better foundation than communion with God? Once you grasp the weight and wonder of this morning priority, it reshapes your routine, your priorities, and ultimately, you.
Prayer
Lord, in the morning You hear my voice. May I rise to meet You first, offering praise, waiting expectantly, and walking through this day in Your strength and leading. Thank You for new mercies every morning. Amen.
Quote: Morning has broken; and God is already there, ready to meet you!
Food for thought:
- What are some of the competing priorities in our life?
- What are the things that keeps us from our time with God?
- Could we change our routine to make time for God first thing?