Starting the day under God's gaze

Before the world demands our attention, before repeated gestures and exchanged words, it is precious to place our day in the Lord's hands. This morning prayer is a simple offering, a lifting up of the soul to the One who watches over our every step. Let us take a moment to reflect and welcome God's blessing at dawn.

Eternal and gracious Lord,

On this morning still veiled in silence, I stand in Thy presence.

Before the tumult of the world envelops me,

I desire to place this dawning day in Thy hands,

as one entrusts a precious possession to Him who alone knows how to reveal its beauty.

I give You thanks, O Father, for this day You are granting me.

I do not know what light or shadow it will bear,

but I know with certainty that Your hand will never cease to guide me.

Allow me to walk under Thy gaze,

in faithfulness and surrender,

in peace and discretion.

Benish every moment of this day,

from the humblest to the most demanding.

Inspire my every move, enlighten my every decision.

Make my words an echo of Your truth,

and my silences a welcoming place for Your Spirit.

Keep my heart free from bitterness,

my thoughts pure from pride,

and my hands ready to serve with discretion and joy.

Make me attentive to wounded souls,

patient with tormented spirits,

fraternal to those who cross my path.

Give, Lord, Your blessing to those close to me,

to those I love and to those I find it hard to love.

Extend Your beneficent shadow over those who toil,

and Your merciful gaze over those who go astray.

Give me the grace to seek You in all things,

to recognise You in faces,

and to find You in events,

even the most confusing.

And if weariness, disappointment or weakness should assail me,

remind me, Lord, that Thy strength is accomplished in my frailty.

May I never turn away from Thee,

but may at every moment,

I be able to say to Thee:

"Here I am, Lord, do with me what Thou wilt. "

I entrust to You, O God of tenderness and justice,

this still unknown day.

Make of it an offering, a witness,

a discreet song carried by Your breath.

Blessed are You, now and forever.

Amen.