I serve a church that, without a doubt, loves its coffee. But it’s not just us who wouldn’t start the day without that first cup to wake up and clear away the cobwebs from a night's sleep—blame the Sandman!

For followers of Christ, a more meaningful start to the day—alongside their coffee—is morning prayer, which they do before their feet hit the floor. This prayer is spoken to the God of the Universe, whether it’s when you get out of bed, while making coffee, during your morning routine, or throughout the time before you leave and start your workday.

Henry Ward Beecher was an American Congregationalist clergyman renowned for advocating the abolition of slavery. His sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, was a famous educator, activist, and novelist known for writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Henry also authored several books himself.

Beecher emphasized the importance of starting your day with prayer: “In the morning, prayer unlocks the treasure of God’s mercies and blessings. The first act of the soul should be a drink from the heavenly fountain, which will make the day more pleasant. If you linger at the throne in sweet communion, you will emerge like the high priest of Israel after the sacred incense ritual, glowing with the divine fragrance of that fellowship.”

There is a song I remember singing early in my walk with the Lord that still echoes as a personal prayer today: “Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more; Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.” A more recent song, written in the 90s by Bernice Johnson Reagon and still performed by many artists today, is "In the Morning When I Rise." I was instantly captivated when I first heard it. Here are the lyrics—you might want to look it up on YouTube; perhaps you'll get hooked too.

In the morning when I rise / In the morning when I rise

In the morning when I rise / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus 

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

And when I am alone / Oh, when I am alone

And when I am alone / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

And when I come to die / Oh, when I come to die

And when I come to die / Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus

You can have all this world / But give me Jesus

Morning prayer and praise will fill your heart with the peace of God, overflowing. As you go about your day—whether with family, friends, co-workers, or employees—you can share that peace with others. The good news is, you can receive unlimited FREE REFILLS whenever your cup runs dry during the day—just ask!

Psalm 88:13

13 But I, O LORD, cry to you; 

      in the morning my prayer comes before you. 

Blessings on your faith journey,

Gene