O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery. O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
Psalms 5:1-12 NLT
This is a morning prayer. David asked the Lord to hear his words while making a commitment to live that day for God. This is the best way to start the day! The best time to read the Bible is when you can focus most, whether that is morning, afternoon, or evening. But it makes a big difference to start the day in prayer, focused on God before food, phone, or anything else.
David said that he could enter the house of God because of God’s unfailing love. It is the Lord’s love that gives us the power to draw near and worship – because that is exactly what we need. It is God’s love, and Christ’s sacrifice, that allow you to enter in. You are invited not only into God’s house but into the very presence of the Lord who loves you, walks with you, cares for you, protects you, and guides you.
God is inviting you, as His loved child, to come into His presence. How will you do that today? Read the psalm again. What benefits of starting the day with prayer do you notice? What difference would those benefits make in your life?
