Seeking God through a Rhythm of Daily Prayer
The writers of the Hebrew psalms knew the value of connecting with God throughout the day. Evening and morning and at noon – ‘the three stated times of prayer among the Jews’, Wesley commented on Psalm 55.17.
Below are links to some fixed-time daily prayers.
Such ‘set prayers’ do not in any way seek to replace what we say to God in our own words or ‘arrow’ prayers that spring out of us in the thick of things.
They are simply meant to allow a rhythm of life to be formed, around which other activities can take their proper place.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalm 63.6
Evening Prayer
…to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God.1
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.2
reviewing the day with God
Search me O God, and know my heart this night; enable me to know my heart this night…3
Some time in silence to review the day just past,
as you have lived it and as it has worked out in the world in which you live…,
giving thanks
for what has been good in your life, how you have seen God in your life,
for what has been good in the world, how you have seen God in the world,
confessing what you would like to have done differently,
passing over to God what saddens you in the world.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.2
looking forward to tomorrow with God
We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our abilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it well – a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for your grace to enter and do the rest.4
prayer to end the day
Keep watch, Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying,
soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted,
shield the joyous, and all for your love’s sake. 4
Amen
Sources
1. after John 1
2. Psalm 4.8
3. after Psalm 139
4. adapted from Compline, Book of Common Prayer
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5.3
Morning Prayer
Eternal Father of my soul,
let my first thought today be of you,
let my first impulse be to worship you,
let the first thing I say be your name,
let the first thing I do be kneeling before you to pray.
For your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness:
For your love for all those you have created:
For your love of me:
For the great and mysterious opportunity of my life:
For your Spirit dwelling in me as your transforming presence:
I praise and worship you, O Lord.
But let me not, when I have finished this morning prayer,
live as though my worship is over
spending the rest of this day unaware
of your unseen company.1
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit,
to be out of your sight? 2
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 3
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 4
Prayers for Others
Looking forward to the day
Teach me my God and King
In all things thee to see.
And what I do in anything
To do it as for thee.5
The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ,
the extravagant love of God,
the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit,
be with all of us.6
Amen
Sources
1. after A Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie (Day 1)
2. Psalm 139 The Message, Eugene Peterson
3. Genesis 28 NIV
4. Romans 8 ESV
5. George Herbert (See Colossians 3.17.)
6. 2 Corinthians 13.14 The Message, Eugene Peterson
Setting an alarm for around midday on a mobile phone can be a helpful reminder of the opportunity to withdraw from the tensions and busyness of life in full flow, to connect consciously with God and keep his perspective on the day’s activities.
Midday Prayer
Is deliberately short to make it feasible for use even on the busiest of days. On some days only the Opening Requests may seem possible.
Opening Requests
May the favour and beauty of the Lord our God rest on us.
Establish the work of our hands for us –
yes, establish the work of our hands.1
A Prayer for Disciples
Our father in heaven …
hallowed be your name…
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…
Give us this day our daily bread…
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one…
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory
For ever and ever. 2 Amen
Sources
1. Psalm 90 NIV
2. Matt 6. 9 -13, Luke 11. 2-4. (An expanded version of the prayer Jesus gave his disciples is available under the Engaging with God menu: ‘Seeking God in prayer’. Using this expanded (or, in C.S. Lewis’ term, ‘festooned’) version in more relaxed moments may equip you to use the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ quickly on busy days, without lapsing into the mindless repetition that can come from over-familiarity.