Every morning as I brush my teeth, I read a liturgy. Specifically one called For First Waking. Sometimes I read it silently. Most of the time I mumble it aloud, trying not to spit flecks of toothpaste everywhere. A few years ago, a friend (hi jo <3) gifted me a physical print as it was one of her favorites, not knowing it was also one of my favorites. I framed it. In my last home, it sat in the livingroom. In this new home, it resides on the sill of the bathroom mirror, often bespeckled with toothpaste.
I hope you enjoy it. Read it slowly and let the prayer adjust your posture—to one that is more tender to Jesus and those around you, to one that stands more firmly upon the One who holds all things.
I am not the captain of my own destiny,
nor even of this new day, and so
I renounce anew all claim to my own life and desires.
I am only yours, O Lord.Lead me by your mercies through these hours,
That I might spend them well,
Not in harried pursuit of my own agendas,
But rather in good service to you.
Teach me to shepherd the small duties of this day with great love,
Tending faithfully those tasks you place within my care
And tending with patience and kindness the needs and hearts
of those people you place within my reach.
Nothing is too hard for you, Lord Christ.
I deposit now all confidence in you
that whatever these waking hours bring,
my foundations will not be shaken.
At day’s end I will lay me down again to sleep
knowing that my best hope is well kept in you.
In all things your grace will sustain me.
Bid me follow, and I will follow.
Amen.
be well, friends!
love,
reb
Psalm for first waking? :) Psalm 17:15 : "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness."