I am not a morning person, my perfect start to the day is to wake around 8.30 and enjoy a cup of tea in bed with my book until around 9.30, but unfortunately the schedules of those around me have never quite been able to fit around this arrangement so rarely does my day start in this relaxed and enjoyable way. And, I confess, I have been known to be grumpy .

 

When I wake I tend to think through the day ahead, and if there was something worrying me or bothering me the night before it swiftly comes back and  is there right at the start of my day. On Monday night however at bible study we were looking at St Patrick's prayer and discussing the idea of waking up  and embracing the new day as a gift of God. This might seem too much to ask but wouldn't it be lovely to be that positive, and to be filled with hope about what the day held and thankfulness for that gift, and to  seek God's help in every part of it. I can't promise but I'd like to try.

 

"I rise today

with the power of God to pilot me,

God's strength to sustain me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look ahead for me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to protect me,

God's way before me,

God's shield to defend me,

God's host to deliver me..."

St Patrick's breastplate