“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples” (Psalm 108:1-3).

As I mull over these words, a picture of this psalm writer’s routine of early morning praise emerges. There are troubles to deal with, decisions to be made, but first, it’s time to sit with the Lord in the early morning, waking with the daylight. And then, slowly prayer and praise rise from this sleepy person.

Imagine the many people through the centuries who have used the Psalms as prayer, sitting in the near dark as they begin their morning prayer practice: “My heart is steadfast, Lord.”

These opening words are both prayer and reminder. “I am tired. I am worried, but I am here, Lord, trying to keep the eyes of my heart fixed on you, even as I struggle with sleepiness or doubts or worries.”

Beginning the day by praising God focuses our attention. As we think of specific ways to give glory to God, we can begin to concentrate. It gives glory where glory is due. It sets our troubles in their proper framework—priming us to remember God’s past goodness. Through remembrance, we can begin to trust that the One who was faithful in the past will meet us in our present need. 

How could the world be changed by God’s love if praise-filled prayer rose like chimney smoke from each of our homes each day?