Morning has broken - a song of encouragement

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The popular and well-known Christian hymn ‘Morning has broken” was first published in 1931. It has words by English author Eleanor Farjeon, and is set to a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune known as "Bunessan" and is often sung in children's services. In 1971, a hit version of "Morning Has Broken" was recorded by British singer Cat Stevens, helping to popularise the hymn in the UK and North America. 

A morning prayer is a wonderful way to focus our time and attention on seeking God's plan for the day ahead. With the current problems in Ukraine and Gaza we certainly need encouragement, peace, strength, and rest. Thankfully God can meet us in a very real and present way when we come before Him with a humble heart. We need to seek  God's presence each morning before our energy and attention is pulled by all the tasks we have ahead. Here is a poem by an unknown author to encourage us to seek God today and every day:-

I got up early one morning

And rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task;

'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered.

He answered, 'You didn't ask.'

I wanted to see joy and beauty

But the day toiled on gray and bleak

I wondered why God didn't show me

He said, 'But you didn't seek',

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys in the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,

'My child, you didn't knock.'

I woke up early this morning,

And paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

We should not let anything separate us from God today. We should choose only His way to guide us so each step will lead us closer to Him. Taking time to ask God to help us walk by His Word the Bible and not by our feelings will protect us from careless thoughts, words, and actions. We need to ask God to keep us from being distracted by OUR wants, OUR desires, OUR thoughts on how things should be. We should embrace what comes our way as an opportunity, rather than a personal inconvenience.

Whatever life throws at us during these difficult times remember to rest in the truth of Psalm 86 that God is great and does wondrous things because He alone is God. Pray the prayer that King David did all those centuries ago, "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me.."  

God sees the ways we all fall short and mess up, but thankfully He loves us warts and all. That IS amazing, but what is most amazing is that the Saviour of the world would desire a few minutes with me and you this morning. Never forget what a gift it is to sit with the Great God of heaven  like this every morning of every day. 

God promises us in His Word that He hears every word we pray. Like a good parent, He is waiting, ready, and willing to listen to our worries, concerns, and needs. Whether we are seeking forgiveness, strength, or healing, prayer provides the channel to communicate with God and receive supernatural strength and power! 

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

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Written by PETER FRANCIS