## 143:8
%% 4
> Your Lovingkindness in the Morning
>> Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

Occasion: Praying first thing

Before the coffee pot starts,
before the screen lights up,
before I speak to anyone else,
Lord, let me speak with You.

I am here, though part of me is still waking,
and part of me has already begun
to carry the weight of the day.
Yesterday is not entirely gone.
Today is already asking things of me.

Let Your kindness be the first thing I hear this morning.

Teach me to bring You my soul
before I hand this day to habit,
hurry,
or whatever shouts the loudest.

One thought follows another,
and soon I am moving
without ever having asked
where I am going
or who I am becoming along the way.

So make this first turning toward You plain.
A chair.
A breath.
A few honest words.

I don't need to sound wise --- 
as if You didn't already know me.
I don't need the whole way mapped --- 
one step is what You've promised.
Only show me how to walk faithfully
into the hours before me,
and give me grace enough
for the next thing.

Before the coffee pot starts,
be first.
Before the screen lights up,
be first.

Amen.