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“O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
In the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
— Psalm 5:3 ESV
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I find it hard to believe that fall is just around the corner. Where has the time gone?
My family and I spent the last couple of weeks in Colorado, preparing for and hosting the Messenger Cup. The Cup is an annual gathering of friends who are committed to making translated discipleship resources available to everyone everywhere. God moved, and we saw the miraculous unfold around and within us.
I’m back in Tennessee now, and it’s a quiet Sunday morning. The sun is just starting to pierce the haze that was left behind by yesterday’s rain. And as I pray for you, Psalm 5 is taking form in my spirit.
If you haven’t already, look at Psalm 5:3 (it’s just north of here). There are three things that I want to highlight in today’s Entry.
First, God hears your voice in the morning. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s deaf the rest of the day. It does, however, mean that there’s a closeness with God that belongs to the morning—a connectedness that sets a tone for the day.
Second, there is a sacrifice of prayer that is unique to the morning. The phrase “prepare a sacrifice for you” could also be translated as “direct my prayer to you.” When we begin the day, there are many cares and concerns that demand the sacrifice of our attention. We deny them our worship when we direct our thoughts and words toward God.
Third, the morning connection opens our eyes so we can watch and know how God answers our prayers.Later in this psalm, David writes, “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness . . . make your way straight before me” (v. 8), telling us that the sacrifice of prayer is how we see the day for what it is.
Response
Who is getting your attention in the mornings? Are you scrolling social media and processing messages before even getting out of bed? This week, why not spend the first ten minutes of each day directing your affection to God? Your morning sacrifice will position you to see things you otherwise couldn’t see and follow the leading of the Spirit down the “straight path before” you.
Closing Thoughts
Psalm 5 ends with the promise that God’s favor covers the righteous as a shield. May you live aware, my friend, that your life and prayers are dear to the Father and sheltered within his arms. May you wake with expectation, knowing that you’re living in an answered prayer.
Praying with you,
Addison
P.S. If you have friends or family who are struggling to connect with God, please send them a copy of Words with God and/or invite them to join us as we explore and embrace prayer as a way of life. They can sign up for these Sunday Entries at wordswithgod.org/entries.
P.P.S. I am praying into how I can better serve people who want to develop a more robust and integrated prayer life. If you have any thoughts, I’d value your words. Just shoot me a message: [email protected]. Until next time!
