Birmingham Advent Morning Prayer Parish

Are you willing to take your spiritual life to the next level? One of the most effective ways to do that is to establish a regular prayer practice.

Think of it as your spiritual exercise, similar to as you go to the gym to stay fit, a daily prayer practice can keep your soul strong and in tune with the Divine.

The most challenging part of prayer is making it a consistent part of our daily life. But with a little bit of planning and effort it is possible to create your own prayer routine that is suitable for you and your time. The most appealing part is that you are able to modify it to match your own personality and spiritual tradition.

Life can be hectic and it’s easy to let prayers slide off the list of priorities. But just like anything else that’s worth having, it takes dedication and discipline. This is where the creation of an effective prayer schedule comes in. It gives structure and accountability to ensure we’re in contact with God on a regularly.

How do you start? First, you must determine the time of day that is the most suitable time to pray. Some people like to start their day with prayer, while others find it easier to pray at night before bed. Try it out and discover what works best for you.

Once you’ve determined the best time to pray then you can begin to establish a routine. Here’s an illustration of a typical daily routine for morning prayers:

Begin by talking to God to ask for his help as you read and pray.

Go through a section of the Bible and reflect on it for a while. It can be done by reading it three or four times, or writing down the things it says about yourself or examples to follow, commands to obey or promises to claim.

Make your prayer a ritual by making confession, adoration, petition, and thanksgiving. Make a prayer for your immediate needs and worries as well as taking time to enjoy God’s presence.

The beauty of a prayer routine is that it can be adapted to suit your needs. Some people may only have just a few minutes while others might have a half an time or even more. It’s important to make it a regular part of your routine. And if you miss a day or two Don’t be concerned! Just get back on track the following day.

The practice of daily prayer is a great method to begin your new year off with a renewed belief in the purpose of your life and a feeling of connection to the divine. It’s a powerful way to begin your day by placing your attention upon the Lord and aligning your thoughts and actions to His plans.

Another method to improve your prayer routine is to make it more engaging. Instead of simply reciting words, you should try to connect with God on a deeper level. Try using your imagination to visualize the scenes by the Bible. You can try to imagine the feelings of these characters, and put yourself in their shoes. This will make your prayer time more personal and meaningful.

It is also possible to incorporate different forms prayers into your daily routine. For example, try silent prayers, contemplative prayers, or even writing your prayers. This can keep your prayer practice from becoming boring and will add variety to your spiritual routine.

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated and on track with your daily prayer routine is sharing the practice with other people. Find a partner in accountability either a close friend or family member who can check in with you and help you to stick to your routine. They could even be a part of your prayer and share their personal experiences.

Remember, the goal of a daily prayer practice is to deepen your relationship with God and align your thoughts and actions in accordance with His plans. It’s not about achieving perfection or adhering to the strict guidelines, but rather being consistent and deliberate in your daily spiritual practice. So, take the time to discover a prayer practice that you enjoy and set it as a priority in your day-to-day life. You’ll be amazed by the impact it has on your spiritual growth as well as overall wellbeing.

After we’ve completed that, let’s look at some of our favorite daily prayers:

1. A Morning Prayer for Strength

God, I’m weary and don’t know when the “race” will end in my life. It seems like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this obstacle. Please help me stop trying to outrun my pain, and instead race with a sense of endurance the race you have set for me. I know that because of you, I will ultimately be an ace over the struggles throughout my journey. I know that nothing will ever be able to separate me from your steadfast love. I ask you to show me a bit of your unconditional love today; give me the strength to endure this challenge. I thank you so much for your love for me that never ceases! Thank to you the chance of happiness that I will enjoy forever within your kingdom! – Adrian Rogers

2. A Morning Prayer for Courage

Lord, grant me tenacious courageous spirit as I move through this day. When I am tempted to give up, assist me keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit in the event that things do not go my way. Also, give me the strength to take action when it is needed to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Dr. Ray Pritchard

3. Prayer to Seek God Each Day

Father, Praise You for the sky and the sun, as they both give us an exciting new day and chance to chase You. Thank You for reminding us that life is not necessarily easy but that we don’t have to carry the hard to each day. Forgive us for focusing on the past and for keeping grudges. Thank You for our hearts that are not free of any limitation when we pray to You every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Meg Bucher

4. A Daily Prayer of Rejoice

Father, thank you for intervening into my world and permitting me to have a personal relationship with Father, thank you for your intervention and allowing me to be a part of your family. Thank you for your love for me today and forever. Thank for the blessings that you’ve provided me as well as my loved ones. We can use these blessings to be a blessing to others. May I live a lifetime of true joy as I witness you working in my life today! In Jesus’ name. Amen. – Ron Moore

5. for guidance by the Holy Spirit

Lord, I pray that you will influence the Spirit more strongly throughout my daily life. I know that any sin can grieve and weaken the spirit of the Spirit, and I pray not to fall prey to commit sin. Help me to seek Your presence more than I want sin. Help me to grow in the fruits from the Spirit and walk in closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from Your Spirit- let your promises and wills always be a source of meditation for my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Kenny Luck

6. For God’s Grace Daily

Lord, thank you for your abundant grace, abundant grace. Thank you that we don’t need to work for a drop from the great river of mercy that flows in abundance to us now. Thanks for this unplanned generous, undeserved blessing you’ve lavished on my life. Help me follow the path of your love and grace. Help me to not forget the discipline I must keep in contact with you frequently and to get a drink from the well of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. – David Mathis

7. A Prayer to Love the Life You Have

God Help me to love the life I live right now. Help me see the positive things that I tend to overlook and help me be content with the things I have. Forgive me when I compare myself to other people, and forgive me for wanting things that aren’t in your kingdom. Thank you for loving me exactly where I am, right as I am. Help me keep my eyes towards you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Nicki Koziarz

8. Prayer Against Distractions Today

When I begin my day, remind me that I am a part of you and I want to behave accordingly. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions that may steal precious time and energy from the most important things that you have designed for me. I am proud to be your son, Lord. And I’m thankful that you died for me–rising again on your own new morning–so that every day would have the beauty of your love, the joy of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing you. – Rebecca Barlow Jordan

9. A Prayer for a Heavy Heart

Father My heart is heavy. I feel like I have to bear the burden on my own. Words like overwhelmed, devastated, exhausted seem to describe the state I’m in. I’m not sure how I can let you carry my weight, so please show me how. Take it from me. I’m going to rest and be refreshed so that my heart will not be as heavy the next morning. In Jesus the name of Jesus. Amen. – Ron Moore

10. To Focus on God’s Voice

Father, I need to be heard from you. Today, I make the commitment to begin a daily quiet time. I will listen for Your voice above all of other voices that surround me. Lord, show me how to focus my attention on You and help me obey what I hear You say. In Jesus’ name, amen. – Mary Southerland

11. Rely on God Today

Lord, today we pray to continue to work with Your Holy Spirit to be present in our lives. Lord, it’s easy for us to be overwhelmed by the worries that take over our lives We know that just as Your gaze is upon the sparrows, so also do You look after and see us.

Teach us today to become more dependent on Your help today. Help us gain a better discernment of how You operate, so that we may be able to understand that all we see with natural eyes is not what it is. Today , we pray for eyes that can see Your hand in all things and hearts to be open to Your will. Amen. – Callie Logan

12. Morning Prayer to Walk with God

Dear Lord I Love You. All that I’ve expressed above is the desire of my heart. I admit that at times my actions and my reactions betray my devotion to You. I ask for forgiveness. Thanks for your forgiveness that allows me to see this day as an opportunity to walk closer with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Lysa TerKeurst

13. A Morning Prayer for God’s Guidance

Thank You Lord for helping me remember how much difference it makes to make spending time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in the body and in my spirit every morning with the desire to be with You, and to hear You speak words of affirmation, faith and wisdom to my mind 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

14.. A Simple Morning Prayer

God, please enlighten my mind by truth, enflame my heart with love and inspire my spirit with courage, and enrich my life by serving. Please forgive me for the things I’ve done and sanctify who I am, and establish my future. Amen – Author Unknown

15.. A Prayer for the Work Day Ahead

Father, thank for all the ways you’ve blessed my life, specifically by this job that pays my bills and puts food on the table. Thank you that ALL work has significance because the work you do is rewarding. Help me bring you glory today, through my actions my words, and by the job I do to improve the order in my little area of the globe. Help me view my work as a blessing, not an affront. Help me to have strength and grace to face the most difficult aspects of my work. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. – Renee Davis

16. A Morning Prayer for Cares and Concerns

Our Father is dear to me in Heaven I am so grateful to you that my life is broken. I have a myriad of worries and worries and they burden me. Although I want to put my worries on You, I I usually pick them back up and they cause more anxiety and stress. Help me to put my worries on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Chrystal Evans Hurst

 

17. For Hope Today

God, allow me hear you say, “I am your hope” over the many other voices. Lord, your word says that you are the one who can bring hope to the despairing, therefore I’m running to you with both hands extended and holding onto you. Bring me back to hope and give me an actual reminder today that hope is an irreplaceable eternal lifeline (Hebrews 6:19-20). God, you know those things that are in my heart I barely dare to hope for. Today I present them to you, I believe in you and ask that you because I know that you are able to do more than I could ever guess, imagine or request in wildest dreams (Eph 3:20). God, you are my faith and I trust in you. Amen. – Wendy can Eyck

18. Courage for the Day Ahead

God I would like to believe that you’re with me and that I am known and loved from you… But sometimes, it’s difficult. Help me to speak the truth from your Word to myself. Let it flow from my heart towards my heart. I ask you to give me peace and courage to live like an awe-inspiring warrior – for you’ve already won me victory over every obstacle and hurdle. Amen. – Amy Green

19. For a God-Honoring Work Day

Establish the work of my hands by assisting me be productive as well as patient, focused and observant. Refrain me from distractions and 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. Help me to integrate my work, family, church life, and rest in a manner which will increase your glory , and allow me to be the best fruitful to further your kingdom.

While I work, keep my attention on Jesus and his finished task on his cross, which provided me with treasures I could not acquire, peace that I could not otherwise be able to experience, and a new hope that will fuel me to work for to glorify God. Amen. – Kevin Halloran

God bless you all!

Are you ready to take your spiritual life to the next level? One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by developing a daily prayer habit.

Think of it as your spiritual workout, just like hitting the gym to keep in shape. an everyday prayer routine can keep your soul strong and connected to the divine.

The most challenging aspect of praying is making it a consistent part of our lives. However, with a bit of planning and effort you can develop a prayer routine that works for you and your time. And the best part is, you are able to modify it to fit your personality and religious tradition.

Life can be busy and it’s easy to let prayers slip down on the list of priorities. Like everything other thing worth having, it takes dedication and discipline. This is where the creation of a prayer routine comes in. It provides the structure and accountability needed to make sure we are in contact with God on a regularly.

So, how do you get started? The first step is to figure out the time of day that is most conducive to you to pray. Some people like to start their day with prayer, while others prefer to pray at night before bed. Experiment and see which method works best for you.

After you’ve decided on the most appropriate time to pray You can begin building your daily routine. Here’s an example of a daily pattern for morning prayer:

Begin by talking to God and asking for his help while you read and pray.

Read a passage from the Bible and reflect on it for a while. This can be accomplished by reading it three to four times, or listing the things it says about yourself or the examples you can follow, instructions to follow or promises to make.

Structure your prayer by offering adoration, confession as well as petition and thanksgiving. Make a prayer for your needs and pressing concerns as well as taking time to enjoy God’s presence.

The beauty of praying is that it is customizable to suit your needs. Many people might only have some minutes and others could be able to devote a whole hours or longer. The trick is making it a regular element of your day-to-day routine. If you fall off the occasional day or two Don’t be concerned! Get back on track the next day.

A daily prayer practice is an excellent method to begin the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and connection with the divine. It’s a powerful method to start your day, keeping your eyes to the Lord and aligning your thoughts and actions with His will.

Another way to increase your prayer time is to make it more interactive. Instead of simply reciting words, try to engage with God on a deeper level. Try using your imagination to visualize the scenes within the Bible. You can try to imagine the feelings of these characters and put yourself in their position. This can make your time in prayer more meaningful and personal.

Try incorporating various forms prayers into your day-to-day routine. For example, try silent prayers, contemplative prayers, or even writing down your prayers. This will keep your prayer routine from becoming repetitive and provide the variety you need to your spiritual practice.

One of the best ways to remain engaged and focused on your daily prayer routine is sharing the practice with other people. Find an accountability partner either a close friend or family member who will check on you regularly and help you to keep to your routine. They may even be a part of your prayers and share their own experiences.

Rememberthat the purpose of daily prayer is to deepen your relationship with God and ensure that your actions and thoughts are in line in accordance with His plans. It’s not about perfection or adhering to the strict rules, it’s about being consistent and deliberate in your life of faith. Therefore, make the effort to find a prayer routine that is a good fit for you and incorporate it in your daily life. You’ll be amazed at how much difference it makes for your spiritual development as well as overall wellbeing.

Now we have been through that let’s take a look at some of our favorite daily prayers:

1. A Morning Prayer for Strength

Lord, I am tired and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this obstacle. Help me not try to beat my pain, and instead race with a sense of endurance the race you have set for me. I am confident that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials throughout my journey. I know that nothing can keep me from your unwavering love. Please show me some of your unconditional love today; give me the courage to face this test. Thanks for the love for me that never ends! And thank to you the chance of joy which awaits me for eternity with you in the Kingdom of Heaven! – Adrian Rogers

2. A Morning Prayer for Courage

Lord, grant me winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, assist me persevere. Help me keep a positive attitude even when the circumstances don’t seem to go as planned. Give me the confidence to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Dr. Ray Pritchard

3. Prayer to Seek God Each Day

Father, Praise You for the sky and sun, because they both give us the new day’s challenges and the chance to pursue You. Thank You for reminding us that the journey isn’t necessarily easy but we don’t have to carry the hard into each new day. Please forgive us for dwelling on the past and keeping grudges. We thank You for allowing our hearts to be held back by nothing as we seek You each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Meg Bucher

4. A Daily Prayer of Rejoice

Father Thank you for being a part of the story within my personal life, and for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy a an intimate relationship with you. Thank you for the love you have for me now and for the rest of my life. Thank you for the blessings you’ve provided me and my family. We can use these blessings to help others. May I live a lifetime of true joy as I watch you work all around me! In Jesus’ name. Amen. – Ron Moore

5. To receive guidance From the Holy Spirit

Lord, I pray that you to be able to move the Spirit more powerfully throughout my daily life. I am aware that any sin can grieve and weaken the Spirit’s voice. Spirit, and I pray not to fall prey to commit sin. Help me to crave Your Spirit more strongly than I want sin. Help me grow in the fruit from the Spirit and so walk closer to You. I pray for guidance from Your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a source of meditation for my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Kenny Luck

6. For God’s Grace Daily

Lord, we thank God for your abundance grace, abundant grace. Thank you that we don’t need to work for a drop from the great stream of mercy that flows freely for us today. We thank you for the unplanned and undeserved favor you’ve bestowed upon my life. Help me put myself in the path of your grace and love. Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with you regularly and to take a drink of the waters of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. – David Mathis

7. A Prayer to Love the Life You Have

God, help me love my life as it is today. Let me know the good things that I overlook, and help me feel content with what I have. Forgive me when I think I am comparing myself to others, forgive me for seeking things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me just where I am, right in the way I am. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Nicki Koziarz

8. Prayer Against Distractions Today

As I start this day, help me to remember that I belong to you and I want to behave accordingly. Help me keep my feet from sliding and my thoughts from drifting into distractions that may steal precious energy and time from the most important tasks you have planned for me. I am proud to be your child Lord. I’m grateful for the sacrifice you made for me, rising again on your own new day, so that each day can become filled with the joy of the love you have for me, the freedom of your Spirit, and the joy of knowing that you are with me. – Rebecca Barlow Jordan

9. A Prayer for a Heavy Heart

Father, my heart is heavy. I’m feeling like I’m forced to carry this burden by myself. Words like overwhelmed, distraught exhausted, and distraught seem to be the best description of my current state. I’m not sure of how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Allow me to rest and become rejuvenated so that my heart won’t be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus the name of Jesus. Amen. – Ron Moore

10. To Focus on God’s Voice

Father, I need to listen to You. Today I am making a commitment to have an hour of silence each day. I will be attentive to Your voice over all the other voices that surround me. Lord, show me how to focus my life around You, and help me to follow the words You speak to me. In Jesus’ name, amen. – Mary Southerland

11. Rely on God Today

Lord, we ask today to continue to work with Your Holy Spirit to fill our lives. Lord, it is easy to get obsessed with the anxieties that take over our lives, but we know the same way that Your eyes is at the sparrow so do You care for and see us.

We can learn today to be more reliant on Your help today. Give us a deeper understanding of the way You work in order that we gain a greater understanding that everything we see with our eyes isn’t all there is. Today , we pray for eyes to be able to see Your hands in all matters, and hearts open to Your will. Amen. – Callie Logan

12. Morning Prayer: Walk with God

Dear Lord I am in love with You. All that I’ve expressed above is the love in my heart. I confess that sometimes my actions and reactions go against my love for You. I ask for forgiveness. Thank You for Your mercy that allows me to see this day as an opportunity to be closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Lysa TerKeurst

13. A Morning Prayer for God’s Guidance

Thank You Lord for helping me to remember the difference in my life when I spend time with You an absolute priority in my morning. Bring me back to body and spirit each morning with the desire to meet with You, and to listen to You speak words of affirmation, faith and wisdom over my heart as I get ready 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

14.. A Simple Morning Prayer

God I pray that you will illuminate my mind with truth, inflame my heart with love I want to be inspired by your love, and with courage, and enrich my life with service. Pardon what I have been and sanctify who I am, and order my future. Amen – Author Unknown

15.. A Prayer for the Work Day Ahead

Father, thank you for the many ways you’ve blessed my life particularly by this job that pays my bills and puts food on my table. Thank you that ALL work is meaningful because work is good. Help me bring you glory by my actions, my words, by the efforts I make to improve the order in my tiny area of the globe. Help me view my work as a blessing, not an affront. Give me grace and strength for the hardest aspects of my job. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. – Renee Davis

16. A Morning Prayer for Cares and Concerns

Our Father is dear to me in Heaven, so much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and worries that burden me. Although I want to put my worries on You, I I usually pick them back up and again and they cause additional stress and anxiety. Help me to place my burdens on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Chrystal Evans Hurst

 

17. For Hope Today

God, allow me to hear you say, “I am your hope” over the many other voices. Lord, according to your word, you are the hope for the hopeless, and I’m rushing to you with both my hands stretched out and grabbing on to you. Give me faith and provide me with an actual reminder that today hope is a line of spiritual support (Hebrews 6:19-20). God You know the things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give these things to you. I am awestruck by them, and I ask you to do so since I am confident that you can accomplish more than I could ever think, imagine, or even imagine in the wildest of dreams (Eph 3:20). God You are my hope and I trust you. Amen. – Wendy can Eyck

18. Courage for the Day Ahead

God I would like to believe that you’re with me and that I’m known and loved by your love… but there are days when it’s not easy. Help me to communicate the truth in your Word back to me. Take it from my head into my soul. I ask you to give me peace and courage to live like an awe-inspiring warrior – for you’ve already crowned me victorious over every obstacle and hurdle. Amen. – Amy Green

19. For a God-Honoring Work Day

Make my work easier on my hands by helping me to be efficient as well as patient, focused and observant. Be sure to keep me away from distractions and technology hindering my work instead of aiding 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. Help me to integrate my work, family and church life with rest in a manner that will maximize the glory of your name and let me bear the most fruit to further your kingdom.

And as I work, I will keep my gaze on Jesus and his task on his cross that gave me treasure I could not acquire, peace which I wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience, and a new hope that will fuel me to work for God’s glory. God. Amen. – Kevin Halloran

God Bless you all!