Starting the Day in Praise

Starting the Day in Praise

Every morning on my drive to work, my car becomes my little sanctuary on wheels. The world is just waking up, but my heart is already reaching toward Heaven. It’s uninterrupted time with God. No phone calls, no emails, no distractions. Just me and my Father. Starting my day that way sets my feet on the right path before anything else can pull me off course.

I begin with praise, lifting my voice and my heart to honor Him for Who He is. Holy. Faithful. Mighty. Merciful. The Alpha and the Omega. The One who was, who is, and who is to come. My words are worship, acknowledging His sovereignty, His power, and His unchanging nature.

Then I move into thankfulness, thanking Him for His grace and His mercy, for Jesus Christ, my Savior, and for the provision He has given us in our salvation. I thank Him for the precious entry to the throne of grace that Jesus’ blood provides, where I can come boldly yet humbly, knowing I am heard and loved. My heart always goes back to the words in Psalm 100:4 about entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courtyards with praise.

From there, I pray for the people I love by name. I pray for the nations, asking God to move in ways only He can. I pray for the Bride of Christ, that we would be ready, pure, and steadfast. And I pray, most of all, for those who do not yet know Jesus. I ask that eyes would be opened, ears would hear, and hearts would be softened to receive the truth of the Gospel. Acts 26:18 echoes in my mind when I pray that eyes would turn from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God.

There’s also a time for spiritual warfare, speaking His truth against the lies of the enemy, declaring His promises, and asking for His protection, strength, and victory in the unseen battles. Ephesians 6:11 comes to life for me there…putting on the full armor of God so I can stand firm.

Somewhere along the way, prayer turns into praise, and praise becomes singing. It’s not just music, it’s worship. It’s reminding my heart Who He is and who I am in Him. It changes the atmosphere in my car and in me. The weight of worry lifts as I sing.

By the time I pull into the office, I’m ready. Not just for work, but for whatever the day might hold. Because the day started with praise, thankfulness, intercession, warfare, and worship, and all of it reached the ears of my Father.

Maybe your quiet place with God isn’t in the car. It might be on a morning walk, over coffee, or sitting in a favorite chair before the sun rises. Wherever it is, start your day with Him. Thank Him. Lift up others. Fight in prayer. And don’t be afraid to sing.