Some Days I Need a Jump Start

Last week I went outside and hopped in my car ready to meet my friend, Rachel, for breakfast. I hooked my seatbelt, stuck the key in the ignition and after a few whines and sputters … nothing. Nothing. It soon became obvious that I needed a jump start. I had left my visor down overnight and the tiny little light beside the mirror had completely drained the battery. Shoot!!

My neighbor just happened to be leaving his house at the same time and was happy to come over and assist me. Once my battery was connected to his, the turn of the key produced an engine purring like a kitten. Off I went.

Somedays I need a jump start. Especially when it comes to prayer. I love God, my Creator, Father and Lord, and crave to walk intimately with Him, moment by moment. But I have to be honest, most days I need a jump start. Prayer can be a frustrating thing. When left to myself and my own thoughts, I just babble and ramble—or to stay with the metaphor, there’s a lot of whining, and sputtering going on and then … nothing. Sometimes I’m not even aware of when the “nothing” took over.

What I usually need is a good, solid jump start. I need someone to give me a boost, to connect me to the Source and get the engine of prayer running. Thankfully, we have a treasure trove of good neighbors who can get us started. These are men and women of God who have gone before us, gathered a wealth wisdom and crossed the finish line. They have left us powerful batteries (written prayers) to which we can connect.

One of my very favorite prayers was given to us by a mighty man of God who lived in Russia during the 19th century, before the Russian Revolution. Under his leadership, he supported the translation of the Bible into the Russian language and even translated several Old Testament books himself. He had much to do with the spiritual awakening in Russia during the 19th century.

I pray this prayer almost every morning. It, plus my other morning prayers, gives me the start I need, focuses my mind and my heart on the things of God, and propels me into that intimate place of communion that I desire most. I know that I will have “dealings” with people and I want them to be blessed by Him and to be an extension of Him. I need help. I need to be connected to the Source, the “Treasury of good things and Giver of Life.” Perhaps this prayer can be an encouragement to you and be used to deepen your moment-by-moment walk with God.

Morning Prayer of Philaret of Moscow

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace.
Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will.
In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me.
Bless my dealings with all who surround me.
Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day
with peace of soul,
and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all.
In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unforseen events let me not forget that all are sent by You.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely,
without embittering or embarrassing others.
Give me strength to bear the fatigue of this coming day,
with all that it will bring.
Direct my will, teach me to pray,
pray Yourself in me.
Amen.

To God be the glory.

Question: What part of this prayer resonates the most with you?