Pray… Hear my prayer, O Lord, and consider the groanings of my spirit too deep for words. Heed my cries for help, O my King and my God, for to You I pour out my soul! In the morning, I know You hear my voice. In the morning I can offer my prayers and petitions to You and then eagerly watch. You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness. No, evil cannot dwell in Your presence and the boastful shall not stand in Your sight. You rebuke all who practice sin and lawlessness, and You humble those whose tongues deceive their brothers. You also abhor those who tempt and mislead.

And yet, by Your great mercy, You have purchased my entrance into the kingdom of Your beloved Son! In Your abiding presence, O God, I bow in reverence, for apart from Your salvation I would be lost and apart you’re your protections my foe would be too strong for me. Lead me in Your righteous ways and make the path straight and clear before me, for there is nothing reliable in what the enemy whispers in my ear. His spirit is deception itself and his tongue is a beckoning grave, yet at times I allow him to cater to my former desires. Oh, get thee behind me, Satan! Find him guilty in Your courts, O God! Turn his evil plans against him and make him as nothing to me. Rebuke and cast this liar out, for his rebellion never rests and he causes Your sons to stray from Your ways. He hardens their hearts so they do not fear You nor walk in obedience to Your commands. Let me remember well from where I came, O God, and take refuge in You, finding gladness and forever singing with joy! Yes, those who love You dwell in Your presence and forever exalt in Your kingdom! It is You who blesses the righteous man, Lord Jesus, as with a shield of fine armor You surround him with favor.

ConsiderAnd in the early morning…He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place and was praying there. There is something special about spending time with God in the morning. Our enemy arises early to deceive and defeat us with the falsehoods he whispers in our ears. He lures us into battle the moment we awaken from sleep and continues to engage us until we lay down. We are fresh and alert in the morning, before Satan and his minions have gained a foothold. It stands to reason then that morning is the best time to come into God’s courts, seek His counsel, and plan for our day. We can either get our marching orders from our commander before the battle begins or require crisis management and intensive care after we’ve sustained injuries. In the morning order your prayer to God and eagerly watch. Start the day with good news, wisdom, and a battle-plan from on high before the enemy presses in, and be surrounded with the shield of God’s favor as you go out to face the day!