What do you do the first thing in the morning? Does it matter? I think it does. It establishes the working conditions for your day ahead. Really.

This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:24, NRSV,*)

This is the attitude that helps to start your day right. If you remember right off that this day is a gift from God, you are most likely to give thanks for it. And that establishes life-giving and Spirit-filled working conditions for your day ahead.

First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…(Romans 1:8, CEB,*)

That’s what Paul did: First of all, he gave thanks. And that’s what we are supposed to do too. So whenever you’re starting something – whether it is a new day, a new project – give thanks. That opens up miraculous conditions for anything and everything you’re doing.

When we invite God in everything we do, we are not alone doing what we are doing. And that, my friend, makes all the difference. And if that’s not enough incentive for you to do so, know that even Jesus did so. He gave thanks and miracles happened.

Giving thanks to the Lord is something that should now wait until you’ve had your first cup of coffee. Give thanks right that minute you wake up. Then surrender the gift of the new day to God. And rejoice and be glad in it.

Gracious God,
Thank you for this day.
Thank you for all the gifts you give to me.
I praise you for your wisdom and loving-kindness.
I surrender my day and my life to you.
May your will happen in it.
May your miracles adorn whatever you call me to do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you start your day? Do you acknowledge a new day as a gift from God?

* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]

Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke.  Linking up today with Dance with Jesus, Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday, and Faith Barista.