At Maryville Retreat Center, we believe each day begins best in prayer—a practice that centers our hearts and minds on God’s love.
I am very grateful to God for His guidance in leading me to serve at Maryville Retreat Center after my retirement.
A few years ago, I wrote an article describing my morning prayer ritual. Each day, when I first wake up and place my feet on the floor, I pray:
“Lord, may I walk in your footsteps today.”
Then, I touch my head and pray,
“May your thoughts become my thoughts.”
Next, I touch my eyes, ears, and mouth and say,
“May I see others as you see them,
may I listen to others as you would have me listen to them,
and may I speak as you would have me speak.”
Finally, I touch my heart and pray,
“May I love others as you would have me love them.”
To close, I hug myself and say,
“Lord, help me to love myself as you do,
and let that love transform my life. Amen.”
This simple ritual helps me focus and center my day on God’s love. At Maryville Retreat Center, in Holly, Michigan, we hope that it might inspire you to begin your mornings in the same way, embracing God’s presence in every step, thought, and word.
