We are shaped and formed by our habits. In a very real sense, we become our habits. In his book You Are What You Love, James K. A. Smith observes that activities are not just things we do, but they are things that do something to us as well.
For this reason, we must construct our days around godly habits that reinforce the truth that every moment of our lives is lived Coram Deo—before the face of God. I do this in my own life by praying written prayers throughout the day. I will share them with you in this blog. Please know that I did not write these on my own, but have collected them from various sources, which I will cite below. Enjoy!
Morning Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, empower me for your service today and may this day be the best day of loving and serving you. (Adapted from John Stott)
Prayer before Work or Study: My good God, Father, and Savior, grant me aid by your Holy Spirit to now work fruitfully in my vocation, which is from you, all in order to love you and the people around me rather than for my own gain and glory. Give me wisdom, judgment and prudence, and freedom from my besetting sins. Bring me under the rule of true humility. Let me accept with patience whatever amount of fruitfulness or difficulty in my work that you give me this day. And in all I do, help me to rest always in my Lord Jesus Christ and in his grace alone for my salvation and life. Hear me, merciful Father, through my Lord Jesus Christ. (Adapted from John Calvin)
Midday Prayer: Lord Jesus, I was made to join your work in the world. Please order the rest of my day in love for the people you have given me to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen Conclude by reading Psalm 103. (Adapted from Justin Earley)
Prayer after Midday Meal: O Lord God, I give you thanks and praise for all the benefits and gifts you constantly shower on me. Thank you for sustaining my physical life through food and shelter; for giving me new life through the gospel; and for the certainty of the best and perfect life, which is yet to come. In light of all these blessings, I now ask that you would not allow my affections to be tangled in inordinate desires for the things of this world, but let me always set my heart on things above, where Christ, who is my life, is seated at your right hand. Hear me, merciful Father, through my Lord Jesus Christ. (Written by John Calvin)
Evening Prayer: Lord Jesus, no matter what happened today, the most important fact of the world is still true: You love us. You died for us. You rose for us. And you will come again for us. Let us feel the peace of that promise and rest in your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Adapted from Justin Earley)
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