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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Each morning observant Jews pray before they get our of bed. They believe that when they sleep, their soul is with God in heaven. It is returned to them each morning as they awaken.
“Dear God, thank you for seeing me through the night to another morning, and for setting this day before me.” The prayer continues with the challenges or the things that they know lie ahead for the day.
Most Christians pray at night before bed. An evening prayer is intended as a taking stock of the day that has concluded. A short time to give thanks for good things that have happened. And a chance to ask for forgiveness in areas where we have fallen short.
I pray every night before sleep. I’ve found that an intentional time for prayer each evening keeps me mindful of the many blessings I have in my life. Most of my days are good days. And as for the things I hope will happen, for me they are best expressed when my day is over and there’s nothing left for me to do but ask.
I also know the downfall of an evening prayer. If I’m already in bed, sometimes I fall asleep before my prayer is finished. That’s disrespectful. I also thing God understands.
I often pray before the start of each day’s broadcast. I give thanks that God has blessed my work and that I might continue to be an effective communicator. And, yes, I believe whatever talents and skills I have behind this microphone are God-given.
So which is better, morning prayer or evening prayer? I think “both” might be the best answer.
Chris Conley
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