Before the day begins,
Before the notifications,
The demands of the day.
And the distractions fill your mind.
Let's begin this day with God.
Find a comfortable position.
Either sitting or lying down.
Allow yourself to become still.
Notice your body.
Notice if there is anywhere you're holding on to tension this morning.
And then.
.
.
Simply notice your breath.
As we take our first deep intentional breath of the day.
Breathe in slowly.
Let some of that tension go.
Again,
Breathing in.
And letting go.
Now place one hand over your belly.
And the other over your heart.
Take a deep breath into your belly.
And then allow that breath to rise into your chest.
Exhale slowly,
Allowing your chest and belly to soften.
Again,
Inhale deeply into your belly.
And into your chest.
And exhale letting go.
One more time,
Inhale,
Feeling the palm of your hand gently rise over your belly.
And then over your chest.
And exhale.
Now allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm.
There is nowhere else you need to be right now.
Nothing you need to accomplish in this moment.
Just you.
Your breath.
And God.
With each inhale,
Imagine yourself opening your heart to the presence and love of God.
And with each exhale,
Release what you were never meant to carry along.
Breathing in God's love.
And releasing your worries.
Breathing in his presence.
And letting go of fear.
Breathing in his peace.
And remembering that you do not walk through this day alone.
Let's pray together.
God,
Thank you for this new day.
Thank you for the gift of waking up this morning and for another opportunity to walk with you.
Today,
I choose you.
Before I give my attention to the world,
I give my attention to you.
Before I begin making plans,
I give this day into your hands.
Please be with me in all that I do today.
Guide my thoughts.
Guide my words.
Guide my decisions.
Guide the way I treat myself and the people around me.
Help me to move through this day with your love.
When I feel rushed,
Remind me to slow down.
When I feel afraid,
Remind me that you are near.
Where I try to control what's outside of my hands,
Help me to surrender it back to you.
And when the noise of the world becomes loud.
Help me hear your voice above it all.
God I give you my plans.
I give you my worries.
I give you the things I know are coming today.
And the things I cannot yet see.
Lead me where you want me to go.
Help me notice the people who need kindness.
Give me patience where I need patience,
Courage where I need courage,
And wisdom where I need wisdom.
Let my life reflect your love today.
Let the work of my hands honor you.
Today,
I choose to trust you.
I choose to walk with you.
And I place this day completely into your hands.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Take one final deep breath in.
And exhale slowly.
Carry this peace with you as you step into your day.
Whatever today holds,
You don't have to face it alone.
God is with you.
And when you're ready.
Open your eyes.
