A Guide to Daily Prayer

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These prayers imply worship time with a group; feel free to adapt the plural pronouns for personal use.

Morning Prayer

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation."

—Psalm 5:3

Gathering and Silence

Call to Praise and Prayer

God said: Let there be light; and there was light.
And God saw that the light was good.

Psalm 63:2-6

God, my God, you I crave;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body aches for you
like a dry and weary land.
Let me gaze on you in your temple:
a Vision of strength and glory
Your love is better than life,
my speech is full of praise.
I give you a lifetime of worship,
my hands raised in your name.
I feast at a rich table
my lips sing of your glory.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We praise you with joy, loving God, for your grace is better than life itself. You have sustained us through the darkness: and you bless us with life in this new day. In the shadow of your wings we sing for joy and bless your holy name. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Silence

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer (see Midday Prayer for The Lord's Prayer)

Blessing

May the light of your mercy shine brightly on all who walk in your presence today, O Lord.


Midday Prayer

"I will extol the Lord at all times;
God's praise will always be on my lips."

—Psalm 34:1

Gathering and Silence

Call to Praise and Prayer

O Lord, my Savior, teach me your ways.
My hope is in you all day long.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God of mercy, we acknowledge this midday pause of refreshment as one of your many generous gifts. Look kindly upon our work this day; may it be made perfect in your time. May our purpose and prayers be pleasing to you. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Silence

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer (ecumenical text)

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive
those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory
are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Blessing

Strong is the love embracing us, faithful the Lord from morning to night.


Evening Prayer

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from God."

—Psalm 62:1

Gathering and Silence

Call to Praise and Prayer

From the rising of the sun to its setting,
let the name of the Lord be praised.

Psalm 134

Bless the Lord,
all who serve in God's house,
who stand watch
throughout the night.
Lift up your hands
in the holy place
and bless the Lord.
And may God,
the maker of earth and sky, bless you from Zion.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Sovereign God, you have been our help during the day and you promise to be with us at night. Receive this prayer as a sign of our trust in you. Save us from all evil, keep us from all harm, and guide us in your way. We belong to you, Lord. Protect us by the power of your name, in Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Silence

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer (see Midday Prayer for The Lord's Prayer)

Blessing

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we hope in you.


This Guide to Daily Prayer was compiled from scripture and other resources by Rueben P. Job and then adapted by the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership while under the direction of Marjorie J. Thompson.


Source: The Upper Room Disciplines 

The Upper Room Disciplines follows a daily rhythm of scripture reading, devotion, and prayer. Based on scripture passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, Disciplines invites readers to engage more deeply with the Bible by reading daily devotions developed around a weekly theme.

Disciplines offers devotions from a variety of perspectives, featuring clergy and lay writers from many Christian denominations across the US and beyond.

Designed for individual or small-group use, Disciplines helps readers approach biblical stories afresh through others’ reflections and prayers. Weekly scripture overviews help readers get started with the week’s readings, and reflection questions invite readers to apply the texts and the devotions to their own lives. 

Join the Disciplines community by starting your own small group or by commenting on each day’s devotion on the website or mobile app.

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