The Morning Prayer

It is frustrating when God seems to not answer our prayers. A few years ago, when I was pastoring in Winnipeg I felt the weight of divine silence. But despite the discouragement, I continued to pray. My requests seem to have been ignored, and years later they still remain unanswered.

However, as I powered through the thick silence I found myself becoming more contemplative, disciplined, gentle, generous, empathetic, and wise. And as I have continued on I have felt the presence of the Holy One near to me in ways that make my heart yearn and hope.

I have learned that prayer may not always change my circumstance (though it certainly can), but it will always change me. And that change in me is often much more important than a change in the situations I find myself in.

And so, I start each morning by speaking to my old friend that I may rise to the day a different man, a better man, than when I woke up.

O Lord, hear me as I pray;

pay attention to my groaning.

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,

for I pray to no one but you.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

—Psalm 5:1-3 NLT