Before the Day Begins

My house is dark just before dawn. I’m awake, in prayer and scripture, and readying for the day to begin. The skies are still black with no sign of the sun warming the horizon. Looking out my window toward the place where you have your throne, I imagine you moving among the stars. You brought the heavens into existence and the stars shine down on your greatest creation. Men and women created in your image, and yet we are nothing like you. We seldom look to the stars anymore and when we do, it’s not to marvel at your majesty. There are those fortune tellers and ascetics who use the position and timing of the stars to tell the future, but their ways are useless and go against you. Leave them to their lucky stones and tarot cards for we have you. And yet we lack spiritual eyes. We lock ourselves into our small lives and never dare to imagine. We don’t see what this world could be if everyone believed in you. Spending our days in worship, hailing your glory and wisdom, a peek into what heaven will be like here on Earth. Lord, save me and my home. Spare me and my family, and the ones we love. When the day finally fills with color, illuminate your way for us so it’s impossible to be lost. You are our only rescue from the evil traps and snares of the enemy. Protect us, day and night.