Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the LORD hears my voice
Psalm 55:17 (NLT)
I have been using YouVersion’s Bible App as part of my morning routine since 2019. Recently, the app suggested following 24-7 Prayer, and an evening prayer would be added to my home page. It is a recording of a unique evening prayer for each day that follows a pattern. It uses prayer, unique bible verses for that day, quotes, and verses that are used each day.
I enjoyed that addition to prayer each evening. It was a good way to end the day with worship, reflection, gratitude, and calming some of my anxious thoughts before going to sleep. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I looked for other similar opportunities. I specifically wanted an app that I could listen to as opposed to having to the read the prayer. I found the Lectio 365 app. It turned out it was where the YouVersion evening prayer was coming from. But it also had similar prayers for the morning and midday.
Using this new app, made me think about my own practice of prayer.
Morning Prayer
In 2017, I changed (or you might say created a new) morning routine. I made a conscious decision to be more intentional by creating a morning routine. I started using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” and I created this morning prayer to start my routine.
“Oh Lord, this is the day You have made; let me rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 KJV. As I open my bible today; as I open your word prepare my heart to actually hear your voice; to see you and feel your presence at this very moment. Speak to me and let your word water my life so it may flourish just as rain makes the garden grow Isaiah 55:10. Let your word accomplish something in me today. Isaiah 55:11 Let it shape my life in some way so that I might find joy in you and be a blessing to those around me. “For you oh God have given us the Spirit that does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
I added the verse of the day and devotions from YouVersion’s Bible App in 2019.
Noon Prayer
In October of 2023, I was angry and needed to forgive someone, for the hurt they had caused me. I realized they were probably unaware that I was hurt or that they played a role in that. The best way to describe it was I had an expectation of them that they failed to meet. I knew that it was hurting me more than anyone else. My inability to forgive them was hurting my relationship with them and my relationship with God. I came to realize that in order to move past the pain, I needed to be able change and it needed to start by training my feelings. So, I began using the following as part of my “re-start” the day routine after lunch. Admittedly, I have not been very consistent with this routine or prayer and that I still hurt, but I pray with the hopes that it continues to change me.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalms 51:10-12 NIV
“God, forgive me for my arrogance and self -righteousness. Help me to forgive those that have hurt me, especially those who never intended to or didn’t even know that they have. Don’t let my pain become a barrier to seeking you and feeling your presence in my life. Don’t let my pain cause me to push others away or to be less compassionate toward others. Fill me with your grace – and strength to be worthy of what you have called me to be.”
Evening Prayer
A couple of years after I had started my new morning routine with regular devotions and my morning prayer, I started an evening routine shortly before going to bed each night by reading part of the Psalms, and then using this nightly prayer.
“Let my soul, find rest in you oh God; my hope comes from you.” Psalm 62:5
“Father in Heaven, thank you for today. I know that all good things come from you James 1:17. You have kept me safe and provided me with everything I need. Thank you for this day, for Rebecca, Claire, Cai & Leah, for my extended family and the work and people you have set before me. Forgive me for my sins and failures. Give me peace and rest tonight that I might be able to serve you tomorrow.”
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
I admit, that sometimes my routine of devotions and prayer are motions I go through and my heart is not fully engaged. But, I also believe routines are good, and “obedience in a long direction” make our lives better. Maybe a heart without discipline isn’t that much better than discipline without a heart.
Have you created standard prayers? What are some apps on your phone that you have found helpful in your devotion to God?
A Long Intentional Walk 