30 Powerful Morning Prayers to Start Your Day Encouraged

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff Crosswalk.com
Updated Jul 23, 2024

A morning prayer is a wonderful way to focus your time and attention on seeking God's plan for the day ahead. Whether you need encouragement, peace, strength, or rest, God can meet you in a very real and present way when you come before Him with a humble heart. Seek God's presence each morning before your energy and attention are pulled by all the tasks you have ahead.

In a world filled with distractions and demands, starting the day with a morning prayer reminds you to prioritize your faith journey before your feet hit the ground running. Embrace the presence of God every morning, safeguarding your connection with Him before the demands of the day divert your energy and focus toward numerous tasks.

Here are our favorite morning prayers to start your day in God's presence. He promises to provide strength, comfort and peace for your daily needs.

Download your own personal PDF copy of these beautiful morning prayers HERE. Print them and keep them by your bedside, in the car, or at work to remind yourself to start your day with God!

1. A Morning Prayer for God's Presence

Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the Word and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided.

Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity... rather than a personal inconvenience. And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13, 'Great is your love toward me.'

You already see the ways I will fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me, warts and all. That's amazing. But what's most amazing is that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to remember forever what a gift it is to sit with You like this. Amen. - Lysa Terkeurst

2. A Morning Prayer for Courage

Every day, we all face moments when we need a little extra courage. Starting our day with a simple morning prayer for bravery can make a big difference. It’s a way to invite God’s strength into our lives, reminding us that we don’t have to go through our challenges alone. Let’s take a moment to ask for His courage and guidance, so we can face the day with confidence and grace.

Here's an empowering morning prayer for courage:

Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
- Dr. Ray Pritchard

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

3. Today with Jesus

Lord, Jesus, today is Your day, and I want Your will to be done. So, whatever happens, hold my hand and let's face it together. Amen. - Back to the Bible

4. God's Promises for Today

It's normal to wake up anxious for the day ahead - we live in a world that bombards us with fear and worry. Yet, we have a loving Father who wants us to rise in the morning, confident in who He says we are. By starting your day with a morning prayer asking God to remind us of His unwavering faithfulness, we can carry His peace and assurance with us throughout the day.

Here's a sample morning prayer to reflect on His promises and invite His comfort and strength into every moment:

Heavenly Father, I have been so wishy-washy when it comes to taking hold of Your promises and making them mine. But today, I’m putting my foot down! I will not allow my human reason to talk me out of my spiritual inheritance. I will set my foot down on every promise that You have given me today. I’m going in! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Sharon Jayes

5. Good Morning Lord

Good morning, Lord! Today's a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone, and with it, any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It's a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be. Amen. - Rebecca Barlow Jordan

6. Fill Me With the Spirit Today

As believers, we are filled with power through the Holy Spirit. We can call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout the day. A simple prayer in the morning to be filled with the Holy Spirit can help us stay grounded and centered.

Let’s take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom, strength, and peace, so we can approach each moment with His discernment and grace. Here's an example morning prayer for Holy Spirit power:

Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, please let us be filled with Your spirit. Let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness wherever we go. Let us desire to become more like you and to worship you in all we do. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Thank you for always going before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Dr. Charles Stanley

7. Daily Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives. Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us when we don't thank you enough for who you are, for all you do, and for all you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you, and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel

8. For My Family

As you begin the day, take a moment to lift up your loved ones and family in prayer. It’s so important to surround them with God’s love and protection, asking for His blessings on their lives. Whether they’re near or far, we can pray for their health, happiness, and guidance.

Let’s seek God’s comfort and strength for them, trusting that He watches over each of us and holds our families close. Here's an example of a morning prayer for those who mean the most to us:

Father, thank you for the blessing of a family. Today, please keep the enemy at bay. Increase their faith. Protect them from falling into temptation. Grant them the opportunity to shine a light in the darkness and lead others to you. Whatever is making my family anxious today, I ask that you comfort them, and that they can rest in your complete sovereignty. Amen. - Topher Haddox

9. A Prayer for a New Day

Dear Lord, as the dawn breaks and a fresh day unfolds before me, I come before You with a heart full of hope and a spirit eager for Your guidance. Lord, may your spirit fill me with joy, give me wisdom in choices I make, influence the words I speak, and inspire the work that I do.

Grant me the grace, Lord, to embody the love and compassion of Jesus in all my interactions, whether they be with familiar faces or those I encounter for the first time. Help me to see others through Your eyes, extending kindness, understanding, and forgiveness as effortlessly as You do. In my endeavors, both big and small, let me not lose sight of what truly matters. Protect me from the distractions and temptations that seek to divert my gaze from Your eternal truth, promises, and love.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of this new day. May it be a testament to Your unending grace in my life yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

10. A Prayer to Start the Day

Dear God, at the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we might see you and notice how you're at work through our lives.

Give us wisdom to make the best choices, and fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new.

Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we're up against.

We ask that your peace lead us that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you, Lord...we need you. In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Debbie McDaniel

11. Prayer to Follow God Today

Dear Lord, I don't know who or what will cross my path today. But I do know that You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are my Shield and my Strong Tower. Help me to anchor myself to You today. Teach me how to stand strong in You and choose only Your way today. Help me walk by Your truth and not my feelings. Help me to embrace anything that comes my way as an opportunity to see You at work and as an opportunity to point others to You. T

hank You that You love me and nothing can ever take that away from me! Even if I fail today and fall short, You whisper Your unconditional love deep into my soul and remind me that Your mercies are new every morning. That truly amazes me, Lord. Thank You for meeting with me today. Would You wake me again tomorrow with the same sweet whisper of Your love? I can't wait to meet with You again. In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Wendy Blight

12. Morning Prayer for Strength

It’s easy for life to feel overwhelming, and waking up with the weight of the world on our shoulders can make us feel defeated before the day even begins. As we start our day, it’s so important to turn to God in prayer and ask for His strength. Remember, we’re never walking this path alone. We have a mighty God who moves mountains and performs miracles, yet He desires to meet us right where we are, each and every day.

Here's an uplifting prayer you can use to start your day with the Lord's strength:

Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain and rather run with endurance the race you have set before me.

I know that because of you, I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial.

Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! - Adrian Rogers

13. A Simple Morning Prayer

God, please enlighten my mind with truth, inflame my heart with love, inspire my will with courage, enrich my life with service. Pardon what I have been, sanctify what I am, and order what I shall be. Amen - Author Unknown

14. For Guidance From the Holy Spirit

Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Kenny Luck

"If any of your lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

15. Give Today to Jesus

Lord, Jesus, today is Your day, and I want Your will to be done. So, whatever happens, hold my hand, and let's face it together. Amen. - Back to the Bible

16. Prayer to Seek God Each Day

Father, Praise You for the sky and sun, for both remind us of a new day’s challenge and chance to chase You. Thank You for reminding us life is not always easy, but that we don’t have to carry the hard into each new day. Forgive us for dwelling on the past and for holding onto grudges. Bless our hearts to be held back by nothing as we seek You each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Meg Bucher

17. A Daily Prayer of Rejoice

As we open our eyes to a new day, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on our blessings. A morning prayer of gratitude is a beautiful way to start, helping us focus on the goodness in our lives and rejoicing in all we have. By taking a moment to give thanks for both the big and small things, we open our hearts to joy and appreciation.

Let’s invite God into our day, expressing our thankfulness for His love and the countless gifts He provides. A heart full of gratitude is a powerful tool for a day of joy and peace. Here's a sample daily prayer for expressing thanks:xffamily

Father, thank you for intervening in my life and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for your love for me today and forever. Thank you for the blessings you’ve given me and my family. Help us use those blessings to bless others. May I live a life of true joy as I see you at work around me today! In Jesus' name. Amen. - Ron Moore

18. For God's Grace Daily

Lord, thank you for your abundant, abounding grace. Thank you that we don't have to earn a drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely for us today. Thank you for the unexpected, unmerited favor you've showered on my life. Help me put myself in the path of your love and grace. Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with you regularly and to drink from the water of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. - David Mathis

19. A Prayer to Love the Life You Have

God, help me love the life I live right now. Show me the good things I often overlook and help me be content with what I have. Forgive me when I compare myself to others, forgive me for longing for things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me right where I am, right as I am. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Nicki Koziarz

20. Prayer Against Distractions Today

As I start this day, help me remember that I belong to you, and my desire is to act accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that could steal precious time and energy from the most important things you have designed for me. I'm proud to be your child, Lord. And I'm so grateful that you died for me—rising again on your own new morning—so that every day could be filled with the wonder of your love, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you. - Rebecca Barlow Jordan

21. A Prayer for a Heavy Heart

Father, my heart is heavy. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like overwhelmed, distraught, exhausted seem to describe where I am. I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won't be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus' name. Amen. - Ron Moore

22. To Focus on God's Voice

Father, I need to hear from You. Today, I make the commitment to start having a daily quiet time. I will listen for Your voice above all of the other voices in my life. Lord, teach me how to center my life on You and help me obey what I hear You say. In Jesus’ name, amen. - Mary Southerland

23. Rely on God Today

Lord, we ask today for more of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Lord, it can be easy for us to become consumed with the fears that surround us in life, but we know that just as Your eye is indeed on the sparrow, so also do You care for and see us.

Teach us today to become more reliant on You. Bring us into a greater discernment of how You operate, so that we may come into a deeper understanding that all we see with natural eyes is not all that is. Today we ask for eyes to see Your hand in all matters, and hearts open to Your work. Amen. - Callie Logan

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

24. Morning Prayer to Walk with God

Dear Lord, I love You. All that I've expressed above is the desire of my heart. I confess that sometimes my actions and reactions betray my love for You. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your grace that is able to recognize this new day as a new chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Lysa TerKeurst

25. A Morning Prayer for God's Guidance

Dear Lord, help me remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance, and wisdom over my heart as I prepare to go into my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen. - Traci Miles

"If any of your lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

26. Prayer for the Work Day Ahead

Father, thank you for all the ways you’ve blessed me, specifically with this job that pays my bills and puts food on my table. Thank you that ALL work has significance because work is good. Help me bring you glory today, through my actions, my words, through the good work I do to bring order to my little corner of the world. Help me view my work as a blessing and not a curse. Give me grace and strength for the hardest aspects of my job. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. - Renee Davis

27. A Morning Prayer for Cares and Concerns

Dear Father in Heaven, so much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and cares, and they weigh me down. While I desire to cast my cares upon You, I find I usually pick them back up again, and they only add more anxiety and stress. Please help me learn to cast my cares on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Chrystal Evans Hurst

28. Courage for the Day Ahead

God, I want to believe that you’re with me and that I am known and loved by you… but some days, it’s hard. Help me to speak the truth from your Word back to myself. Take it from my head to my heart. Give me peace and wisdom courage to live like a conqueror - because you’ve already given me victory over every challenge and obstacle. Amen. - Amy Green

29. For a God-Honoring Work Day

Establish the work of my hands by helping me to be productive, patient, focused, and insightful. Keep me from distractions and from technology hindering my work instead of helping it. May your Spirit lead me in my work and help me to be joyful, creative, and worshipful–constantly reminding me of your love and that you’re the reason I have breath in my lungs. Teach me to align my work, family, church life, and rest in a way that would maximize your glory and allow me to bear the most fruit for your kingdom.

And as I work, fix my eyes on Jesus and his finished work on the cross that gave me treasure I could not earn, rest that I could not otherwise experience, and a living hope that will fuel me to work for the glory of God. Amen. - Kevin Halloran

30. Prayer to Step Out in Faith Today

Gracious Father, as we begin a new day, help us to engage your will with a reckless faith. Teach us to trust in you, and help us grow in righteousness. Heavenly Lord, give us the courage to step out in faith this day. Fill our hearts with your spirit, and let us speak your words with pride. - Debbie Przybylski

Morning Scripture Blessings

Add a morning Scripture reading to your daily morning prayer time with God and watch the power that God transform your heart and mind. Mediating on God's Word is a powerful habit that can center our thoughts and give us peace for the day ahead.

These Bible verses offer guidance and comfort, giving us strength and wisdom for whatever the day brings. By inviting God into our morning routine, we set the tone for the day and have confidence in God's love for us:

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

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

"The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed." (Isaiah 50:4)

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Read our 25 Good Night Prayers to end your day with peace and thankfulness!

Pray through the week with us:

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers

Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength

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