Lately, I’ve been following the advice from a brochure I received in RCIA class called “Seven Daily Habits for Faithful Catholics.” In the interest of full disclosure, when the little pamphlet was given to me it seemed like one more tedious thing to worry about or learn, without actually being able to apply it in the real world. I’m not sure what pulled me to it, but recently I picked it up and decided to add each habit one by one.
The first habit is the morning offering. This is when you offer the day ahead for God’s glory using your own words or a memorized prayer. But what has to happen before your offering is crucial. As Saint Josemaria Escriva put it: “Conquer yourself each day from the very first moment, getting up on the dot, at a set time, without granting a single minute to laziness. If with the help of God, you conquer yourself in the moment, you have accomplished a great deal for the rest of the day. It’s so discouraging to find yourself beaten in the first skirmish.”
-Seven Daily Habits for Faithful Catholics
Yes, I still linger in bed. Sometimes I’ll even forget the morning offering and will recite a prayer mid-shower. It’s a work in process, which is why I decided to come up with a short prayer for those who wanted to take this first step. Early in the morning, my mind tends to be foggy as I try to shake off the last remnants of dreams wanting me to return to bed. I felt it was easier to have a short prayer than something longer, which may sound lyrical, but would prove challenging for those of us who needed a simply prayer to be memorized when waking up was a struggle.
Whenever this prayer fails you – due to memory lapse- my advice would be to say an “Our Father.”
However, if you ever find yourself yearning to do a specific morning offering prayer, this one is for you.
Prayer: Morning Offering
Dear God, Guide me to the right path, so all that I do may honor you and bring you the greatest glory. Inspire me to live out my life with strength, grace, and humility- as I continually seek to live a holier life. -Amen
