Here’s the story:

My dad had a word that he repeated thousands of times in his life: overwhelming.

Dad loved the word and used it regularly.

When most of us say the word overwhelming, we use it to describe times when we are burdened by the too-much-ness of life.

I’ve felt that kind of overwhelm in times of great stress and weariness. You too?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the morning—before your feet even hit the floor—you’re not alone.

But Dad tended to use that word (overwhelming) for the best things in life—the most beautiful, most rapturous things in life. He’d use it to describe a perfect ribeye, a fun time with family, or a beautiful sunset. Even something as simple as a Dairy Queen Snickers Blizzard would receive the honor of “overwhelming,” due to Dad’s apparent belief in its culinary genius.

“It’s overwhelming!” he would say.

Why You Feel Overwhelmed in the Morning

Modern usage of the word overwhelming leans heavily toward the negative: being overwhelmed by how hard life can be.

That kind of overwhelm often shows up before our feet even hit the floor in the morning.

Our minds start racing when we think about:

• everything we have to do today
• everything we didn’t finish yesterday
• everything that could go wrong tomorrow

I’ve felt it too.

But what if I told you that it’s possible to be overwhelmed… in a good way?

A Different Kind of Overwhelm

When you dwell on the “good overwhelm” that God places in your life, it changes things.

Dad was proof.

He practiced “good overwhelm” his whole earthly life, even when he was at the very end of it.

One afternoon, six days before he passed away, I sat beside Dad on his bed. He was staring off into a corner of the room. Then a small ribbon of words spilled out … words he had said a thousand times before:

“It’s overwhelming.”

I asked him, “Dad, is it overwhelming in a good way, or in a bad way?”

He had every reason to say overwhelming in a bad way. (Life on hospice is no picnic.)

But he responded, simply:

“Overwhelming in a good way.”

Right then, his trademark smile spread all the way up into his eyes, creasing them at the edges. It was as if the sun could rise and set on his countenance.

I don’t know what Dad saw in that moment. But in my way of thinking, my heavenly Father was giving my earthly father, a little taste of heaven. A little sense of what was to come. A little reminder that when life on Earth feels overwhelming in a bad way, God is still overwhelmingly loving, overwhelmingly kind, overwhelmingly holy, and overwhelmingly present—in the best way possible.

A Morning Prayer for When You Feel Overwhelmed

(From Chapter 8 of How to Love Your Morning)

Are you feeling overwhelming this morning? You can pray this right where you are, or come back to it tomorrow morning before your feet hit the floor.

Let’s pray…

A Liturgy for Being Overwhelmed (in a Good Way) at the Start of Day

Lord of peace,

I come to you with a mind that often feels

overwhelmed in a bad way,

a heart that feels unsteady,

and a spirit seeking stillness in the morning.

Today, I choose to release to you the following:

my anxiety when the day ahead looks overwhelming—but not in a good way

the need to control the hours ahead

my tendency to leap into tomorrow’s challenges and replay yesterday’s mistakes

Lord, let me pause to count the ways I am safe today:

my body breathes

my heart beats

my mind finds its way to you.

I am sheltered, seen, and held by your love.

Remind me to be grateful for these precious gifts.

Today, I will not let worry steal the gift of this morning.

Instead, I will anchor myself in this truth:

You are here right now, and you alone hold my future.

Each morning is an opportunity for “good overwhelm”

to flush out the “bad overwhelm.”

Overwhelm me, O Lord, with your faithfulness,

your goodness, and your nearness.

Overwhelm me, God, in the best way possible.

Amen.

Start Your Morning Differently

If you’re longing for more mornings that feel like this—anchored, steady, even in the middle of real life—How to Love Your Morning was written for you. The words in this post are included in Chapter 8.

Inside the book, you’ll find simple, meaningful ways to meet God in the first moments of your day, along with practical rhythms you can return to again and again.

You can learn more or order your copy by clicking here.

The post Why You Feel Overwhelmed in the Morning (and What Helps) appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

Maybe it is regret for something you said.

Or the memory of a decision you wish you could undo.

Maybe it is the weight of a week that left your heart feeling broken.

Whatever it is, I want you to know this. You can begin again today. God is holding out His hand, inviting you to begin anew – even if yesterday was unspeakably hard. Let’s start with a morning prayer for today, one that invites God’s mercy to shape your heart and anchor your day in grace.

It is a new morning and a fresh start.

A Morning Prayer For Today

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of a new morning.

Thank You for this fresh start and the promise it holds.

As the sun rises, so does my hope in You.

You have given me another day to live with purpose, to love well, and to walk in grace.

I release the weight of yesterday and receive the mercy You offer today.

Fill my heart with gratitude and my mind with peace.

Help me to embrace this day with joy and trust, knowing You are already in every moment ahead.

Let my thoughts be grounded in truth, and my words speak kindness.

Use me today, Lord, in quiet ways and unexpected places.

Give me eyes to see beauty, even in the ordinary, and courage to keep going, even when the path feels slow.

Help me to honor You with all I do and say today.

To You be the glory, Lord, my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend.

Thank You for meeting me here. Thank You for this new beginning.

Amen.

Grace Meets You Right Where You Are

Starting over with God is not about erasing the past or forgetting the pain you’ve endured. It is about embracing grace today. We all have days, weeks, or even seasons we wish never happened. Yet here is the beauty in life with God. No matter what we go through, no matter how far we drift, no matter how long it feels we have waited, He always wants to meet with us.

Even this morning.

That truth alone can transform your day. Today can be a great day because His presence is with you.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.”

New every morning, fresh and free. That truth is the heart of this prayer for today.

Small Steps Toward a New Beginning

God is in the business of redemption. He does not waste your detours, or your painful circumstances. He does not hold your failures against you. He invites you to begin anew, not as one who is disqualified, but as one who is deeply loved. Sometimes we think starting over requires something dramatic, but often it begins in simple, sacred ways.

Here are some small steps you can take:

Opening your Bible even when it feels dry.

Whispering a prayer even when you feel unworthy.

Returning to worship even with a heavy heart and choosing truth over anything else that burdens you.

These are today’s holy steps.

God does not need you to have all the answers or a perfect plan. He just wants your permission to meet you here. He is not waiting for you to impress Him. He is waiting to embrace you. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” That right there? It’s a prayer for today from a psalmist who knows the sting of regret, the ache of mess, and the restoring power of God’s love.

Truths to Carry Into Your Day

If you need to begin again with God today, here are three gentle reminders to carry into your morning: No matter your circumstances, God is right beside you. Your mistakes do not erase God’s mercy. Grace is available right now. Not after you prove yourself. Not after you earn it. Right now. God still delights in you. He is not distant or disgusted. He is near and full of compassion.

Whatever yesterday held, whether it was a sharp word, a missed chance, or some pain you endured, today is a new day. And God’s mercies are here waiting for you. This is the invitation to a prayer for today.

Before You Step Into the Day Ahead

You do not need to have it all figured out. You just need to say yes to grace this morning. Let this be the breath where freedom, peace, and joy find you. Let God’s love meet you now.

Morning Blessings for a New Beginning

May you find our loving God drawing near to you today.
May mercy meet you before guilt, shame, or heartbreaking circumstances can speak.
May you feel free to come home to God without hesitation.
May your heart soften and your spirit be renewed.
May you live today deeply aware that you are forgiven, loved, and free to begin again. May you step into the day with the hope of a fresh start and sweet optimism, knowing that Jesus is with you each step of the way.

Feel free to share these blessings with a friend who can use some encouragement.

A Whole Book for New Mornings and Fresh Starts!

Coming soon! My newest book How to Love Your Morning offers even more encouragement for beginning your day with intention, joy, and a heart anchored in God’s presence. It is a guide for embracing your mornings with grace instead of pressure and cultivating a daily rhythm that begins with peace. 

Preorder is available NOW for How To Love Your Morning.

In the meantime, I’ve created the Wake Up Well Checklist — a God-centered morning routine that will help you build a doable morning that tends to both your soul and your schedule. 

And guess what?

The best mornings aren’t perfect.
They’re just pointed in the right direction.

That’s what the Wake Up Well Checklist is all about!

This is a new morning routine checklist that actually works! 

This morning checklist is my gift to you!

Stay tuned for more updates on How to Love Your Morning at JenniferDukesLee.com.

Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee and Dana Hanks

The post A Morning Prayer for Today: The Best Fresh Start appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

This practice of praying a morning prayer for my children has helped me trust God to watch over them, even when I can’t. This has been so helpful for me now that my girls are grown as well. One of our daughters is serving in full-time ministry in Indonesia, on the other side of the world. And the other is studying for her master’s, on the other side of the country. I’ve found that my most effective parenting strategy as an empty-nester parent? Is prayer.

Perhaps you’re in a struggle to trust God with your kids. Whether they are young or grown, walking with God or choosing their own way, you want the best for them. In moments like this, our best parenting happens … through prayer.

When worry creeps in, as I know it does, you and I can pause right in the moment to pray over our children. When our hearts break, right alongside theirs, we can lift our kids up to Jesus. When they enter new and exciting seasons, we have the ability to bless their next steps. When they face tough decisions, we can ask God to grant them wisdom. And when they doubt their self-worth, we can ask God to be the loudest, kindest voice in their ears. 

Let’s never, ever underestimate the power of prayer. God hears every word you pray, and He loves your children even more than you possibly can.

How I Turn Scripture into a Morning Prayer for My Children

Today, I’d like to walk you through how I pray God’s Word over my girls. Many Bible verses and Scripture passages can easily be personalized as prayers. And you know what? When we pray according to what God has already promised, He says an eager yes!

Turning Bible verses and passages into prayers is quite simple. (I’ll offer a few examples below!) In short, where there is a general pronoun in the Bible verse, insert the name of the person you are praying for. When talking directly to God, you can change Him and He to You.

If the sentence structure feels awkward, adjust it as needed (without changing the meaning). You might:

• Turn questions into statements.
• Add the word “may” to make a statement a blessing.
• Remind yourself of what God has promised.

I’ll show you a few examples, using verses I’ve prayed often over my children and other people in my life.

Personalize Ephesians 1:17-19 as a Prayer

A prayer in the Bible I often turn to when I’m praying for others is one that Paul himself prayed. You can feel the intensity of God’s love and holiness in Paul’s words. When we pray these verses, it’s like we get a glimpse of the relationship Paul had with God—for the person we are praying for, and for ourselves.

This prayer is one I’ve adapted from Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV. I like to add the name of the child I’m praying for. Are you ready? Let’s try this together.

Glorious Father, give (child’s name) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that (he/she) may know You better. I pray that the eyes of (name’s) heart may be enlightened in order that (he/she) may know the hope to which You have called (him/her), the riches of Your glorious inheritance in Your holy people, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Personalize Psalm 91 as a Prayer

Psalm 91 is a powerful prayer of blessing and protection, and it’s one of my favorites to pray over my daughters. This is a prayer you can’t wear out, even if you pray it daily. Not only are you covering your children in the faithfulness of God, you’re also reminding your own heart that you can trust God with them.

When praying scripture over children (or other people), feel free to use the Bible translation you’re most familiar with, or reach for another with language that sounds more similar to how you speak. 

The following prayer is adapted (and shortened) from Psalm 91 NLT. Simply insert your child’s name to pray these powerful promises from God over him or her.

May (child’s name) live in Your shelter, Most High,
    and find rest in Your shadow, Almighty God.

May (name) declare about You:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    He is my God, and I trust Him.

Lord, rescue (name) from every trap
    and protect (him/her) from deadly disease.

Cover (name) with Your feathers.
  Shelter (him/her) with Your wings.
  May Your faithful promises be (name’s) armor and protection.

May (name) not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.

May (name) not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

As (name) makes You (his/her) refuge and shelter, 

    send angels to protect (him/her) wherever (he/she) goes). 

May Your angels hold (name) up with their hands 

    so (he/she) won’t even hurt (his/her) foot on a stone.

May (name) trample upon lions and cobras;
    may (name) crush fierce lions and serpents under (his/her) feet!

Lord, You promise to rescue those who love You 

    and protect those who trust in Your name.

    Rescue and protect (name).

When (name) calls on You, You promise to answer;
    Be with (name) in trouble.
    Rescue and honor (him or her).

Reward (name) with a long life
    and give (him/her) Your salvation.

Personalize Proverbs 3:5-6 as a Prayer

This familiar verse is one I often tell my own anxious heart. It makes for a powerful morning prayer for my children — and my own self! So try it:

Pray it over yourself.

Pray it over your kids.

Pray it over your spouse.

Pray it over your friends.

Lord, help (name, or me) trust in You with all (his/her/my) heart,

    and lean not on (his/her/my) own understanding.

May (name, or I) submit all my ways to You,

    so You will make (his/her/my) paths straight.

* adapted from Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Now it’s your turn. Choose one of your favorite Bible verses and turn it into a morning prayer for your children. Let me know in the comments which verse you’re praying this morning.

I’m over here, praying for you from my little corner of the world. I’m praying for peace to fill your heart as you trust God with your kids. And I’m praying that all the pressure you’ve felt to pray a “perfect” prayer will disappear. God simply wants to hear your heart. Say it in your own way or borrow His words to pray back to Him. God is listening. 

Save or Share the Morning Prayers for My Children

If you found these prayers helpful, you can save or share them below.

How to Love Your Morning

One last thing! Have I told you about my newest book, How to Love Your Morning? I’m convinced that you and I, friend, are morning people – even when we don’t rise early – because God is a morning person! God seems to have a soft spot mornings, as I found from studying every reference to mornings in the Bible. (Can you believe there are over 200 of them?!) 

No matter what time you wake up, your morning is shaped by how you wake up. What if you could begin your day with intention, hope, and God’s presence? If you’ll give me the chance, I’ll show you how to create morning rituals that match your season of life, not someone else’s formula. 

Tap below to preorder How to Love Your Morning…

RELATED:

Morning Prayer for My Husband: How to Bless the One You Love

10 Beautiful Morning Blessings from God

Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee with Twyla Franz

P.S. — Check out our full library of morning resources, by clicking here.

The post Morning Prayer For My Children: One Powerful Way To Pray appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

How we begin our morning affects how the day unfolds. True, the dog will still bark and the cereal will still spill and there will still be plenty of opportunities for frustration to creep in. But when we turn our face toward Jesus, something changes inside us: we remember who God is, and who we are to Him. 

Prayer is simply a conversation — with the Creator of this great, wonderful world who thinks the world of you.

I invite you to spend a little time with Him right now, using one of these prayers to start your day. Come back any time to pray the prayer you need!

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Sip Your Coffee (or Tea)

Dear Jesus,

Slow me down with every sip, Jesus. I often feel like rushing, but Lord, You aren’t in a hurry. You’re right here – in all the ways of the morning. In the way this cup warms my hands, in the way the sun slips silently over the horizon, in the way the seed unfurls first as roots, and in the way the seasons each have their time to shine. 

Help me to trust that You know the perfect timing, and You’re never late (Isaiah 60:22).

May I be patient with myself, other people, and You today. May I give You space to continue the good work You’re doing in my life. And may I carry this stillness in my soul into the rest of my day.

In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Watch a Sunrise

Hey Lord,

Still my heart for a moment, as I stand here in awe of You. Your glory overwhelms me. Your presence reassures me. Your peace unknots the tangled thoughts in my head.

As I breathe in the beauty of today’s unrepeatable, one-of-a-kind sunrise, I thank You for Your creation, Your creativity, and Your company.

As I exhale long and slow, I ask, God, would You keep my eyes open to You? 

No matter what the day brings, may I stay awake to where You’re at work.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Open Your Bible

Meet me here, Jesus, in Your Word.

Open my eyes to see You on each page. Open my ears to hear You in each sentence. Open my heart to receive You in each word.

You promise to come close when I “draw near” to You (James 4:8). And this morning, I need You. I need Your wisdom, peace, and strength. But mostly, I want to know You — how You think and how You move. Teach me as I read Your Word. 

In Your name I pray, Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Hold Your Dream Loosely

Dear Lord,

Whether this dream flies or goes back to the drawing board, may it be for Your glory. 

In my yes to Your nudges, be glorified.

In my pause to listen, be glorified.

In my obedience to what’s next, be glorified.

In my surrender of the timeline I had in mind, be glorified.

In my trust as I place my hand in Yours, be glorified.

I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Take a Morning Walk

Good morning Jesus,

May I join You for a walk? As my day begins, I want to put You first, one step at a time. 

Help me to fall in sync with You. Help me listen to You, rather than making our time together “all about me.” I want to hear from You. 

Where are Your hands bringing hope and healing to my corner of the world?

Who in my path can I love really well today?

Lead me, Lord! Show me what’s next. Give me the wisdom and compassion I’ll need. May I be willing and ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Light a Candle

Holy God,

I give You my full attention. This feels like a holy moment, with just the two of us. 

As I strike the match and watch the flicker, fan my desire for You. As I tilt the match to the candle wick, unite my heart with Yours (Psalm 86:11). And as I watch the flame dance, enfold me in Your great embrace.

In this sliver of my morning, I seek You.

Before the distractions of the day, I take a moment to simply adore You.

You are glorious and good. Worthy of my worship. Priceless and present.

In Your holy name I pray, Jesus. Amen. 

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Find Grace for Yourself

Lord,

No matter how hard I am on myself, You gently take my unkind words and replace them with truth.

When I say I’m too slow, You remind me that I’m growing. You’re not in a rush, so I don’t have to be either.

When I worry it’s more than I can handle, You whisper that You’re here. I don’t have to be afraid of anything because I won’t have to face it alone.

When I put myself down, You lift my eyes to You so I may see as You do. Your abounding grace helps me find grace for myself. 

Thank You, Jesus! In Your name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Start Your Day as You Practice Forgiveness

Lord,

When I struggle to forgive, remind me what You gave for me — true and deep forgiveness. Sometimes I forget that my own sins stack far above my head. That I’m the wretch referred to in the hymn “Amazing Grace.” 

I don’t deserve Your forgiveness, but You give it anyway.

I could never earn Your forgiveness, but You never ask me to.

May I carry this gratitude in my heart as I forgive the people I need to today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pin the Prayers to Start Your Day

Did you find these prayers to start your day helpful? If so, you can pin them below or share them directly with a friend.

Also, I’d love to leave you with a gift – a Wake Up Well Checklist to help you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, like Jesus said in Mark 12:30. This simple, doable rhythm can take as few as five minutes. Grab your free download below!

If you enjoyed these prayers to start your day, you might like these too:

• Monday Morning Prayer
• Tuesday Morning Prayer
• Wednesday Morning Prayer
• Thursday Morning Prayer
• Friday Morning Prayer
• Sunday Morning Prayer

Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee with Twyla Franz

The post 8 Beautiful Prayers To Start Your Day and Grow Your Faith appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

Perhaps you wonder if your mornings are slipping past you, lost somewhere between that third snoozed alarm and the breathless scramble out the door to your 9 AM class. You dream of a morning that feels relaxed yet productive, unhurried yet focused. You long to make the most of your mornings, but you don’t know where to start.

Or maybe you wonder whether college even is the time to care about your mornings. College, after all, is the time of late-night ice cream runs and dorm-room conversations with friends until long past midnight. Maybe a morning routine feels nice in theory but hopelessly unattainable in practice, something to keep on the backburner until after you’ve turned that tassel on your graduation cap and begun life in “the real world.”

Whether or not you’re convinced your mornings could use a makeover, I want to challenge you to consider just how crucial mornings are in equipping you to thrive in college. And I want to invite you, college girl, to realize the value of a routine. 

The Importance of a Morning Routine for College Girls

A morning routine for college girls is more than just a list of tasks to check off your to-do list at the day’s start. It is a collection of intentions and practices that can transform your morning into a sacred space, enabling you to take on those busy, bursting-with-fun college days.

That’s why I want to offer you this helpful morning routine for college girls. It was formulated with the help of my daughter, Lydia, a recent college graduate, and it’s more of a “skeleton” than an uber-detailed, itemized routine.

It’s up to you to fill in the details. Your routine should be catered to you, and that means that each step can take as much or little time as you prefer. You can even make a few different routines using this template (the Wake Up Well Checklist, found here). Create one routine for slower mornings, and one for those early-class mornings.

So, grab a pencil, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and keep reading. Let’s create a college morning routine that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Here’s Your Morning Routine for College Girls

Where It All Begins: The Night Before

I know you’ve likely heard it a hundred times, but it’s true: every morning routine begins the night before. It’s infinitely more difficult to maximize a morning when you’re so exhausted you can hardly peel your eyes open – and that means you’ve got to prioritize your sleep.

Aim for at least 7 hours, and ideally 8, hours of sleep per night, and do what you can to make your sleeping space – be it a dorm room or a sorority bunk – as cool, quiet, and dark as possible. I know people always seem to be up at all hours of the night at college, so opt for earplugs and an eye mask if you must.

Whatever you’re doing at night – whether it’s a sports game or an essay assignment – try to limit your screen time two hours before you go to bed. Write in a journal, read a book, chat with your roommate: how you wind down is your decision. (I know it’s difficult, but resist the temptation to lay in bed scrolling on TikTok until your eyes burn!)

Time to Wake Up

The alarm sounds. You fumble in the dark for your phone and, before you’re even half-coherent, you snooze it once. Then twice. Then another time. Next thing you know, you’re late – still exhausted – and you’ve barely got enough time to brush your teeth, much less intentionally go through a morning routine.

Sound familiar?

The ever-tempting choice to snooze your alarm is the one of the least ideal ways to begin your morning: it disrupts your sleep cycle, making you feel groggy, and it leaches time away from your morning routine. Avoid snoozing, and, if it helps, place your alarm across the room so you have to get up to shut it off. Alternatively, try a sunrise alarm clock (my daughters swear by them), which gently wakes you with a light source mimicking the rising of the sun.

The Day Begins

Now you’re up, and it’s time to get ready for the day. You can get entirely ready, or you can simply put on your glasses, brush your teeth, and stay in your pajamas until the last possible minute. 

It’s up to you: do whatever you need to do to feel like your day has begun.

Morning Movement

Next, it’s time for a little morning movement. Studies show that a small bit of exercise in the morning – even something as simple as a short walk – helps boost your mood, raise energy levels, reduce stress, and increase focus throughout your day.

Maybe your morning movement looks like a 5K run or a Pilates class at a nearby gym. If so, go for it!

Or maybe you haven’t got time – or the desire – for a longer, high-intensity workout in the morning. Try some light stretching or ten minutes of yoga in your room: anything to get your body moving and ready to tackle the day. 

Morning Mindfulness

A mindfulness practice is, in my opinion, one of the best things to incorporate into your morning. You can do it before or after your morning movement – or even alongside it. (How about a meditative walk, or breath prayer with your yoga?)

Mindfulness puts you on the right path for the day: it centers your mind, allows you to slow down amid the morning hustle, and invites you to think about the bigger picture floating above your day-to-day life.

Grab a mug of coffee and try one (or several) of these morning mindfulness practices:

• Write a list of 10 things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal
• Read a short passage of Scripture and take 5 minutes to meditate on what it means to you
• Listen – actively listen – to a song you love, and resist the urge to multitask as you do so
• Set a timer and spend 15 minutes in prayer
• Read a chapter of a wellness book or a devotional, then journal about it
• Take a walk around your neighborhood or in a nearby park, and try to notice as much as you can about your surroundings

Above all, take time to be grateful for this morning, and cultivate hope and joy toward the day ahead, whatever it may hold.

What Makes a Morning for You?

After getting ready, doing some morning movement, and practicing morning mindfulness, the rest of your routine depends on what you want to get out of your morning.

Prioritize eating a healthy, protein-rich breakfast at some point (try a bowl of oatmeal with chia seeds or a banana with peanut butter), perhaps during your mindfulness activity.

Maybe your ideal morning includes time for socialization: call a family member, send a thoughtful text to a friend, or – if you have time – meet up with girlfriends for a walk.

Maybe you’d prefer to spend a bit more time alone, delving deeper into a Bible study or a writing project or a book you’re reading – not for class, just for you!

Whatever you end up doing, make it something you want to do. Practice dedicating some of your morning to yourself and to your passions. Make time for those rhythms of life most dear to you, before the noise and clutter of the day has a chance to crowd them out.

Begin your Day!

Finally, it’s time to begin your day! I pray this morning routine for college girls may shape your morning into one more restful, fulfilling, and intentional.

How you live your mornings is how you live your life, and it all starts with a morning routine. 

Perhaps a cheat sheet would be helpful? If so, access my Wake-Up Well Checklist, which you can use to 

• Center your heart on what matters most
• Stay grounded in Scripture and gratitude
• Start your day with purpose, without striving
• Honor your mind and body, not just your to-do list

Ten minutes is all you need! Tap below to download. (Read more about the Wake-Up Well Checklist here.)

College Girls like You Contributed to my Book!

One more thing! I’d love to show you how to not just tolerate or barely like your mornings, but how to truly LOVE them. There’s a whole section dedicated to college girls in my book, How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a time.

Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee with Lydia Lee.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The post Morning Routine For College Girls: How To Begin At Your Best appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

Perhaps you wonder if your mornings are slipping past you, lost somewhere between that third snoozed alarm and the breathless scramble out the door to school. You dream of a morning that feels unhurried yet productive, relaxed yet focused. You long to make the most of your mornings, but you don’t know where to start.

Or maybe you wonder whether high school even is the time to care about your mornings. Classes begin at such an early hour already, and that’s not to mention any extracurricular commitments you may have before the sun even rises. Maybe a morning routine feels nice in theory but hopelessly unattainable in practice, something to keep on the backburner until after you’ve turned that tassel on your graduation cap and begun college or life in “the real world.”

Whether or not you’re convinced your mornings could use a makeover, I want to challenge you to consider just how crucial mornings are in equipping you to thrive in high school. And I want to invite you, high schooler (whether you’re a girl or a boy), to realize the value of a routine. 

The Importance of a Morning Routine for Teens

A morning routine for teens is more than just a list of tasks to check off your to-do list at the day’s start. It is a collection of intentions and practices that can transform your morning into a sacred space, enabling you to take on those busy, bursting-with-fun high school days.

That’s why I want to offer you the helpful morning routine for teens. It was formulated with the help of my daughter, Lydia, who graduated high school back in 2020, and it’s more of a “skeleton” than an uber-detailed, itemized routine.

That’s where you come in: it’s up to you to fill in the details. Your routine should be catered to you, and that means that each step can take as much or little time as you prefer. You can even make a few different routines using my Wake Up Well Checklist (available by clicking here). Create one routine for slower, weekend mornings, and another routine for those mornings with early extracurricular activities.

So, grab a pencil, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and keep reading. Let’s create a high school morning routine that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Here’s Your Morning Routine for Teens

Where It All Begins: The Night Before

I know you’ve likely heard it a hundred times, but it’s true: every morning routine begins the night before. It’s infinitely more difficult to maximize a morning when you’re so exhausted you can hardly peel your eyes open – and that means you’ve got to prioritize your sleep.

According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s best to aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Do what you can to make your sleeping space as cool, quiet, and dark as possible. I get it: sleeping conditions aren’t always ideal. Maybe your parents are up late stomping around the living room, or maybe you share a room with a sibling. If so, opt for earplugs and an eye mask.

Whatever you’re doing at night – whether it’s a sports game or an essay assignment – try to limit your screen time two hours before you go to bed. Write in a journal, read a book, chat with your family: how you wind down is your decision. (I know it’s difficult, but resist the temptation to lay in bed scrolling on TikTok until your eyes burn!)

Time to Wake Up

The alarm sounds. You fumble in the dark for your phone and, before you’re even half-coherent, you snooze it once. Then twice. Then another time. Next thing you know, you’re late – still exhausted – and you’ve barely got enough time to brush your teeth, much less intentionally go through a morning routine.

Sound familiar?

The ever-tempting choice to snooze your alarm is the one of the least ideal ways to begin your morning: it disrupts your sleep cycle, making you feel groggy, and it leaches time away from your morning routine. Avoid snoozing, and, if it helps, place your alarm across the room so you have to get up to shut it off. Alternatively, try a sunrise alarm clock (my daughters swear by them), which gently wakes you with a light source mimicking the rising of the sun.

The Day Begins

Now you’re up, and it’s time to get ready for the day. You can get entirely ready for the day, all at once, to save some time if you’ve got places to be. Or you can simply put on your glasses, brush your teeth, and stay in your pajamas until the last possible minute.

It’s up to you: do whatever you need to do to feel like your day has begun.

Morning Movement

Next, it’s time for a little morning movement. Studies show that a small bit of exercise in the morning – even something as simple as a short walk – helps boost your mood, raise energy levels, reduce stress, and increase focus throughout your day.

It’s possible that the first thing on your day’s to-do list already includes morning movement (maybe you’ve got an early-morning weights session or a sports team practice before class). If that’s the case, take it easy at home, or aim for a few light stretches before you dash out the door.

Alternatively, perhaps you have a little (or a lot!) of time in the morning for some more structured movement at home. If you’ve got places to be – like before-school music rehearsal – consider waking up ten minutes earlier for a short core workout or yoga in your room, anything to get your body moving and ready to tackle the day.

Or perhaps it’s the weekend and you have even more time. If so, your morning movement could look like a 5K run around your neighborhood or a Pilates class at a nearby gym.

Morning Mindfulness

A mindfulness practice is, in my opinion, one of the best things to incorporate into your morning. You can do it before or after your morning movement – or even alongside it. (How about a meditative walk, or breath prayer with your yoga?)

Mindfulness puts you on the right path for the day: it centers your mind, allows you to slow down amid the morning hustle, and invites you to think about the bigger picture floating above your day-to-day life.

Grab a mug of coffee and try one (or several) of these short morning mindfulness practices:

• Write a list of 10 things you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal
• Read a brief passage of Scripture and meditate for 3 minutes on what it means to you
• Set a timer and spend 5 minutes in prayer

And if you’ve got more time to spare, try some of these: 

• Read a chapter of a wellness book or a devotional, then journal about it
• Listen – actively listen – to several songs you love, and resist the urge to multitask as you do so
• Take a walk around your neighborhood or in a nearby park, and try to notice as much as you can about your surroundings

If you’re super tight on time, utilize your commute time. Play some worship music and pray while you drive, ride the bus, or walk to school. 

What is less important than how much time you can dedicate to your morning mindfulness is the very fact that you are pursuing it. High school is busy – I recognize that – but cultivating habits of gratitude, joy, and intentionality at your age, even when it’s hard, will bless you for the rest of your life.

What Makes a Morning for You?

After getting ready, doing some morning movement, and practicing morning mindfulness, the rest of your routine depends on what you want to get out of your morning and how much time you have.

Prioritize eating a healthy, protein-rich breakfast at some point (try a banana with peanut butter or a jar of overnight oats on the go), perhaps during your mindfulness activity.

Maybe your ideal morning includes some socialization: send a thoughtful text to a friend, call a grandparent, or have conversation over breakfast with your mom.

If you have the time, maybe you’d prefer to spend a bit more of your morning alone, delving deeper into a Bible study or a writing project or a book you’re reading – not for school, just for you!

Whatever you end up doing, make it something you want to do. Practice dedicating some of your morning to yourself and to your passions. Make space for those rhythms of life most dear to you, before the noise and clutter of the day has a chance to crowd them out.

Begin your Day!

Finally, it’s time to begin your day! I pray this morning routine for teens may shape your morning into one more restful, fulfilling, and intentional.

How you live your mornings is how you live your life, and it all starts with a morning routine. 

Perhaps a cheat sheet would be helpful? If so, access my Wake Up Well Checklist, which you can use to 

• Center your heart on what matters most
• Stay grounded in Scripture and gratitude
• Start your day with purpose, without striving
• Honor your mind and body, not just your to-do list

Ten minutes is all you need! Tap below to download. (Read more about the Wake Up Well Checklist here.)

Young Adults like You Contributed to my Book!

One more thing! I’d love to show you how to not just tolerate or barely like your mornings, but how to truly LOVE them. There’s a whole section dedicated to young adults in my book, How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a time.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The post The Best Morning Routine For Teens: How to Make It Realistic appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

I’m Jennifer Dukes Lee, and I call myself a “morning evangelist” because I’ve learned something that has changed everything for me: the way you begin your day shapes the way you live your life. Over the past two years, I’ve studied every single “morning” mentioned in Scripture (yes, all 200+ of them!), and a stunning pattern emerged — God has a habit of showing up in the morning with provision, direction, clarity, and hope.  

That discovery led me to write my new book — How to Love Your Morning, where I help you reframe your mornings so you can experience God’s best from the moment you wake up. 

But before you dive into the book, I have a free gift for you. 

To help you start your day with God – right now, right where you are – I created a Christian Morning Routine Starter Kit. It’s a simple, grace-filled on-ramp to help you build a meaningful morning rhythm, even if you’ve never once considered yourself a morning person.

The Starter Kit includes the five elements of a holistic Christian morning routine to help you stay grounded and focused each day. (I’m also giving away a free printable called “My Morning Compass!” Be sure to grab that at the end.)

Let’s dig in!

Your Christian Morning Routine Starter Kit

Below are five simple rhythms — biblical, practical, doable — that will help you begin your day with God.

1. Start with Prayer Before Your Feet Hit the Floor

Before you think, before you react, and definitely before you pick up your phone, whisper a short prayer, like this: 

“Good morning, Lord. This day is Yours. Wake me up with Your love.”

Prayers like that align your heart before the world has a chance to misalign it.

In my book How to Love Your Morning, I explore how prayer reorders your inner world, even on your most chaotic days. In the book, I also wrote many prayers and liturgies that you can borrow, for any kind of morning!

One thing I always try to remember on busy mornings, when I’m not sure I have time to pray is this: even Jesus (the busiest human to ever walk this earth) started His mornings in prayer. “Very early in the morning… Jesus got up… and prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

A Christian morning routine doesn’t begin with perfection. It begins with prayer and presence.

2. Nourish Your Body 

Now, I’m not going to be the breakfast police here. I understand that some people skip breakfast for all kinds of reasons: time, appetite, fasting. But I also know this:

After fasting all night, our bodies wake up needing nourishment, and breakfast has been shown to:

• stabilize blood sugar
• improve mood
• increase focus
• support emotional regulation

One study of more than 30,000 Americans found that skipping breakfast often means missing out on key nutrients like fiber and calcium. Breakfast is also a great way to get a jump-start on your protein. Try to add at least one protein source to your breakfast, such as eggs, peanut butter, or yogurt. 

When we pause every morning to nourish ourselves with a piece of toast, scrambled eggs, or a dollop of yogurt with berries, we acknowledge that our strength and energy come from God and the food He provides.

Fun fact: Did you know that there’s a really cool breakfast story in Scripture? Yep! It happens on a beach with Jesus, who showed up to make a morning fish fry for his buddies! I unpack that story in How to Love Your Morning and the How to Love Your Morning Bible Study.

3. Move Your Body

Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the thought of moving our bodies in the morning, thinking that if it’s not a 5k or an hour-long Pilates workout, it doesn’t count. 

But did you know that even small bursts of movement help? Even just five minutes of stretching, a quick walk, or a few kitchen-counter pushups awaken your God-given strength. Movement boosts serotonin, increases blood flow, and wakes up your body’s systems.

But the mindset you bring into your morning movement matters too.

“Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

We can move our bodies every morning out of gratitude, not guilt. We can walk or run or stretch out of stewardship, not self-criticism.

In How to Love Your Morning, I share how movement becomes a spiritual practice – not another item on a self-improvement checklist. I explore how Jesus Himself walked everywhere – covering miles of terrain as He healed, taught, and served. His literal steps became the foundation for the metaphorical “walk” we’re invited into today.

4. Renew Your Mind With One Thought From God’s Word

This might surprise you, but sometimes? One verse is enough.

I love long mornings with my Bible, but you don’t always need a 45-minute quiet time to have a meaningful Christian morning routine. Sometimes, short spurts of Bible reading are enough! Try this: write one verse on a sticky note, and put it wherever you’ll see it throughout the day. Meditate on it, every time you read it. If you don’t know where to start, try this verse: 

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love…” (Psalm 143:8)

In How to Love Your Morning, I unpack research showing that even brief, consistent interactions with Scripture can reduce anxiety, bitterness, and loneliness. One verse — mulled over while brushing your teeth, driving to work, walking your dog — can reframe your entire day.

5. Prepare for the Day With Surrender, Not Stress

Your Christian morning routine isn’t just about productivity. It’s about the posture of your heart.

Before you open your planner or inbox, pray a prayer of surrender, something like:

“Lord, I give You my words, my work, and my worries. Make something good of this day — for Your glory, not mine.”

I pray a prayer like that every single morning, before my feet even hit the floor.

Studies show that your first 30 minutes can influence your emotional tone for literal hours. Starting with surrender keeps your day anchored in God, not in pressure.

A little encouragement for you in your Christian morning routine…

Here’s some encouragement from my book, How to Love Your Morning:

“There’s an accessible way to do mornings, a real way to do mornings, so that you can wake up to a life you love. In the hardest seasons of my life, I found a way to make mornings not just bearable, but beautiful.

That’s why I wrote this book for you.

You, the one overwhelmed before your feet even hit the floor.

You, the one who longs to wake up each day with hope yet feels a sense of dread.

You, the one who finds yourself stuck in negative repetitive patterns every morning that you don’t know how to reverse.

You, the one who wants to do mornings better but doesn’t want a rigid routine that wears you out before 9 a.m.

You, the one looking to grow closer to God at the threshold of every new day.

My prayer is that this book will help you approach each morning, from here on out, as a woman who can’t wait to wake up and see what God’s been up to while you slept.”

Free Printable: “My Morning Compass”

 I want to give you something, to help you build a simple, sustainable Christian morning routine. It’s called My Morning Compass, and it’s completely free.  

Download the PDF by unlocking my Morning Library Resources here:

This tool pairs perfectly with the rhythms in this article and with the message of my upcoming book, How to Love Your Morning. If you’re craving a Christian morning routine that helps you feel grounded, peaceful, and connected to God — this is where to begin.

RELATED:

Morning Routine For College Girls

Best Morning Routine for Teens

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The post It’s Here! A Powerful Christian Morning Routine Without the Guilt appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

I learned that fact during my years as a mom and wife on our busy Iowa farm. Sure, the farm fields outside look peaceful on any given morning, as the sun slides up the eastern sky. But on the inside of the house? That was another story! Many mornings felt like a race before my feet even hit the floor.

I imagine the same is true for you: Whether you’re rushing to get kids out the door, heading to work, or trying to remember where you left your keys, spending meaningful time with God can feel impossible some days.

That’s why I created a simple, printable 5-Minute Quiet Time Template (CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS) – to help you start your day with intention, even when life is loud and chaotic. (This template is based off of core principles outlined in my book, How to Love Your Morning.)

Maybe this is the truth you need to know today:

You don’t need an hour. And you don’t need an Instagram aesthetic either — with color-coded journals, matching coffee mugs, and harp music. 

All you need is a quiet heart, a little space, and a willingness to meet with God, right where you are.

Why Does It Matter How You Start Your Morning?

The first few moments of your day are powerful. They set a rhythm — for your thoughts, your reactions, your attitude, and even your sense of peace. That’s why I have become a morning evangelist, touting the benefits of th first hour of the day. Because I have come to learn that when we begin the day by connecting with God, we’re not just forming a habit. We are placing our trust, our schedules, and our hearts in His hands.

Scripture says,

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you” (Psalm 143:8, NIV).

Even five minutes in the presence of God can shift the atmosphere of your entire morning, helping you put your trust in God at the start of the day, as the psalmist described.

Can a 5-Minute Quiet Time with God Really Make a Difference?

Yes. Because it’s not about quantity — it’s about quality and consistency. Jesus isn’t timing your devotional. He’s after your heart.

Whether you’re sitting with a hot cup of coffee or whispering short prayers in the car, a five-minute pause can help you:

• Re-center your thoughts
• Connect with God’s Word
• Receive peace before the day rushes in

This is especially helpful for:

• Busy moms
• Working professionals
• People rebuilding a morning routine
• Anyone who feels spiritually stuck or overwhelmed

What’s Inside the 5-Minute Quiet Time Template?

This one-page template is so useful. It walks you through a simple, structured process:

Read (1 minute): Open your Bible to a short passage — maybe a Psalm when you need comfort, a Proverb when you need wisdom, or the words of Jesus when you need direction.

Reflect (1 minute): Jot down a word or phrase that stands out. Ask, “What is God saying to me today?”

Respond in Prayer (1 minute): Use this moment to thank God, ask for help, or simply say, “I’m here.”

Carry a Thought (1 minute): Choose one truth to take with you into meetings, school drop-off, errands, or the kitchen sink.

One Small Step (1 minute): Faith grows through action. Ask, “How can I live out what I just read?” Then write it down and go do it.

It’s short, grace-filled, and doable.

Download Your Free 5-Minute Quiet Time Template:

Click here to get the 5-Minute Quiet Time Template.

On the Freebies sign-up page, enter your email, and you’ll be immediately directed to all of my free resources. The Quiet Time Template is included under the heading “Resources for your Morning.”

Download, print off, and then keep it near your Bible or planner.

Want to Go Deeper?

This printable for your quiet time is part of a larger invitation to love your mornings, one step at a time. If you’re longing to start your day with more clarity, peace, and purpose, check out my book How to Love Your Morning. (Now available for preorder!)

It’s not about becoming a perfect morning person.

It’s about meeting a perfect God, right where your day begins!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I miss a day?
A: Friend, grace always wins here.
This template is a tool, not a rule. God’s not keeping score. He delights in spending time with you. If you miss a day (or five), don’t feel guilt; feel loved no matter what. God will meet you the moment you turn toward Him.

Q: What if I don’t know what Scripture to read?
A: You’re not alone! A great starting point for your quiet time is to open the Psalms when your heart is heavy, Proverbs when you need wisdom, or the Gospels when you want to see Jesus more clearly. You could also choose a verse from your church’s Sunday message or follow a simple reading plan. There are so many reading plans available online! This Quiet Time Template works with any passage.

Q: Can I use this at night instead of in the morning?
A: Yes! While this template was designed for morning quiet time, it’s really about intentional connection with God — anytime, anywhere. Many people find that doing a quiet time before bed helps them reflect on the day and sleep in peace.

Related Resources You Might Love:

• The Wake Up Well Checklist
• 7 Powerful Morning Scriptures to Start Your Day

Written by Jennifer Dukes Lee.

This post contains an Amazon affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

The post How to Have a 5-Minute Quiet Time with God appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

For me, a morning pause is a reset button and a daily invitation to lean into God’s Word, realign my heart, and remember what’s true and beautiful in this precious life I’ve been given.

Here’s what I’ve learned: when I wake up with worry, I need morning blessings from God. When I am tempted to rush into my to-do list, I DEFINITELY need morning blessings from God. As a self-described “morning evangelist,” I crave intention in my morning routine, and I want to help you take hold of that intentionality too. That’s what this article is all about – offering you 10 morning blessings from God, to meet you right where you are.

10 Morning Blessings from God and His Word

Each one of these Scriptures is a reminder that you do not have to start your day striving. You can begin it by abiding. With these 10 morning Bible verses and morning blessings from God, let your heart find peace and purpose before the day unfolds.

1. Psalm 5:3
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

Start your day talking to the One who listens. You do not need perfect words, just an honest heart. God meets us in the early hours when we show up with even the smallest prayer for today. His morning blessings are already waiting for you.

2. Psalm 90:14
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

This verse reminds us that our joy does not come from a perfect morning but from God’s unfailing love. His morning blessings are what fill us with joy that carries through the day.

3. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every sunrise whispers this truth: God’s mercy did not run out yesterday. It is fresh today for mistakes, for worries, for whatever lies ahead. These verses are morning blessings from God that bring hope and healing.

4. Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.“

Even Jesus made time for quiet before the day unfolded. We do not have to wake at dawn, but we can begin with presence — a whispered prayer, a deep breath, a moment with God.

5. Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

If today feels uncertain, this verse gives you a safe place to land: trust. God knows the path. He will guide you, step by step. His morning blessings carry direction and comfort.

6. Isaiah 50:4
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”

Morning is our invitation to listen. God speaks through Scripture, silence, and soft nudges. When we listen, we live more gently, more in alignment, and more at peace. These quiet nudges are morning blessings from God.

7. Psalm 46:5
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”

Isn’t that a wonderful promise? I realize that the “her” in this verse actually refers to Jerusalem. But what could change for us if we believed that God cares about his daughters every morning in the same way he cares about his cities? I’m convinced that he does. This verse is for the one whose morning feels heavy. For the mom holding the pieces together. For the woman in waiting. God is within you. You will not fall. Help is already on the way. Let this be one of the morning blessings from God you hold onto.

8. Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Let this be your first prayer before checking your phone or responding to emails. Let your thoughts, your heart, your words be rooted in grace.

9. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If your morning is cluttered with anxiety, bring it to God. You do not have to carry it. Trade worry for His peace before your feet hit the floor.

10. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When your plans feel tangled and your schedule overwhelming, this is your anchor. God sees the full map. You can lean on Him when your view is limited.

A Quiet Morning Habit That Changes Everything

Tomorrow morning, take five quiet minutes. Read one of these verses aloud. Write it down. Breathe it in. Let it become your anchor, and a reminder of who you are and Whose you are. Morning by morning, you are being renewed. Morning by morning, you are being led. Morning by morning, our gracious God meets you again. Let these be your morning blessings from God.

Invitation to a Life-Giving Morning

If you are longing for more peace, purpose, and presence in your mornings, whether you rise early or drag yourself into the day, my new book, How to Love Your Morning, is for you. This fun and grace-filled guide is filled with encouragement, truth, and practical ways to open your eyes to God’s love every day — even if you’re currently allergic to mornings.

Preorder is available NOW for How To Love Your Morning.

In the meantime, I’ve created the Wake Up Well Checklist — a God-centered morning routine that will help you build a doable morning that tends to both your soul and your schedule. 

And guess what?

The best mornings aren’t perfect.
They’re just pointed in the right direction.

That’s what the Wake Up Well Checklist is all about!

This is a new morning routine checklist that actually works! 

This morning checklist is my gift to you!

Stay tuned for more updates on How to Love Your Morning at JenniferDukesLee.com.

RELATED:

50 Good Morning Quotes to Make Your Day Better

8 Beautiful Prayers to Start Your Day and Grow Your Faith

Article written by Jennifer Dukes Lee and Dana Hanks.

The post 10 Beautiful Morning Blessings From God  appeared first on Jennifer Dukes Lee.

Interspersed amongst the morning quotes are lines from my coming-soon book, How to Love Your Morning. You are among the first to get this sneak peek! 

I believe that mornings are often where we feel the fresh mercy of God most clearly. Do you need that today? 

God sees where you feel weighed down, afraid, or alone. He knows the wisdom and strength you need. He hears the prayers you whisper at night. And His mercy reaches higher than your fear, deeper than your questions, and wider than all in front of you that feels impossible. May His mercy meet you – overwhelm you – as you read these good morning quotes.

Motivational Good Morning Quotes

I truly can’t think of a better way to start the day than to say to Jesus, “Here it is: a whole new day before me, to love, to enjoy, to treasure. What a privilege it is to be alive, and to start my day with you.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“When you wake up asking ‘What’s wrong?’ you’ll find plenty that’s wrong. But, when you wake up asking ‘What’s possible?’ you’ll discover opportunities you never noticed before.”

— Christine Caine

“A morning routine offers us a fixed point to count on in the midst of our fast-moving worlds.”

— Emily P. Freeman

“There is only one invitation it would kill me to refuse, yet I’m tempted to turn it down all the time. I get the invitation every morning when I wake up to actually live a life of complete engagement, a life of whimsy, a life where love does. It doesn’t come in an envelope. It’s ushered in by a sunrise, the sound of a bird, or the smell of coffee drifting lazily from the kitchen. It’s the invitation to actually live, to fully participate in this amazing life for one more day.” 

— Bob Goff

“There’s just something about the magnificent stubbornness of a morning and its insistence on rising up over this beautiful and baffling world, every single day.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“When we begin our days by spending time with God… it brings healing. There’s no script, no race, no rules. There’s only peace, courage, and strength for the day ahead.”

 — Rebekah Lyons

“The prayer offered to God in the morning during your quiet time is the key that unlocks the door of the day.”

— Adrian Pierce Rogers 

“I never get out of bed in the morning without having communion with God in the Spirit.”

— Smith Wigglesworth

“It’s not about when you wake up. It’s about who you wake up to be.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“Good mornings start the night before in your heart and your head. So, unburden yourself before bed. When you take off your dirty clothes from the day, think of how you are removing the regret and burden of the day.”

— Jennifer Rothschild

Christian Good Morning Quotes

“Morning is God’s way of whispering one more time: Make a difference; Touch a heart: Encourage a mind; Inspire a soul; Enjoy the day.”

— Toby Mac

“As long as we are alive, God gives us new mornings, every day. New do-overs, every day. New chances to move forward, every day. New opportunities to make reparations, to seek restoration, to rebuild what was broken. Every single day.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.”

— John Bunyan

“When the eyes of the soul looking out meet the eyes of God looking in, heaven has begun right here on this earth.”

― A.W. Tozer

“Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.”

― Elisabeth Elliot

“In the quiet of an early morning, honesty finds me. It calls to me through a crack in my soul and invites the real me to come out, come out, wherever you are. Not the carefully edited edition of the me I am this year. No, honesty wants to speak to the least tidy version of the woman I’ve become. The one I can’t make look more alive with a few swipes of mascara and a little color on my lips.”

― Lysa TerKeurst

“I have complete confidence that God, who does not sleep and who never presses the snooze button, is working while our eyes are closed.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.”

― Brother Lawrence

“If God is speaking, then nothing else matters but listening.”

—Brennan Manning

“I love coming into the presence of Jesus. I am usually in my wrinkled pajamas, with sleep breath, no makeup, tousled hair, and a fearful heart—I am naturally a fearful person. But I light my candle and have my tea, and in His presence I find love and acceptance and hope.”

— Sally Clarkson

Good Morning Quotes from the book by Jennifer Dukes Lee

“God’s mercies aren’t just new every morning. They’re new every moment.”

— Anna Lee, daughter of Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“There is no God like our God, who deliberately chooses to sit with us in every darkness, while we wait for the light of morning.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“Mornings are a series of little births, little resurrections. Every spin of earth’s axis is another genesis, tinted with hope. There’s nothing more beautiful than the loveliness of the eastern horizon, just before the sun domes above that mesmerizing line of land.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“To God, mornings aren’t just a shift in time—from night to day. Rather, they are an invitation to trust that he is always at work, stitching new mercies into the fabric of each new morning.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

 “Whatever battle stares you down this morning, he is already with you in it, and he is inviting you to the best seat in the house— right next to him. The One who brings the brightest light to illuminate the world . . . is bringing light to your life.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“The mornings I feel the least like singing are the mornings I shall choose to sing the most. The mornings I feel the least like praying are the mornings I shall choose to pray the most.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“To fall in love with your morning isn’t to deny the exhaustion or despair you feel some mornings. Not at all. To fall in love with your morning is to look at the morning sky and choose to feel the wonder at its gilded edges; to reach for the stubborn hope of a new day because you know hope changes things; and to let the protagonist of this story—God himself—wake you up with his love.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“If you are looking for true life change, if you are looking for help in making the big and little decisions of life, if you are looking for clarity in the midst of doubt, there is no better place to start your day than in God’s Word.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“Here I am, Lord, at the cusp of a brand-new day,
in which I choose to love you with
all of my heart
all of my soul
all of my mind
and all of my strength.
Help me, Lord, to love you with all of my morning.
Amen.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

If you’d like to read more of my book, you can preorder it right here.

Gratitude Good Morning Quotes

“I love that God knew we might forget about that fresh start every day, so He sends up the sun to remind us.”

— Ellie Holcomb

“You may believe in God, but never forget – it’s God who believes in you. Every morning that the sun rises and you get to rise? That’s God saying He believes in you, that He believes in the story He’s writing through you. He believes in you as a gift the world needs.”

― Ann Voskamp

“The world settles for mornings that are bearable, at best. We can choose mornings that we love, mornings that are truly beautiful, by choosing gratitude.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“For one who has made thanksgiving the habit of his life, the morning prayer will be, ‘Lord, what will you give me today to offer back to you?’”

— Elisabeth Elliot

“Breathe. You are gifted and deeply valued, but you don’t have to be great because God is great. Now go, today, and be grateful.”

— Lisa Whittle

“I’m grateful that God consistently takes the hardest experiences of my life and turns them into beauty. He tells a better story with my life than I could ever write.”

— Annie F. Downs

“Each morning, practicing gratitude helps us recognize that the day ahead is not our own— it’s a gift to be lived with God’s purpose in mind, even on the days when life feels overwhelming. Especially on those days.”

— Jennifer Dukes Lee, How to Love Your Morning

“Teach me to extol, and to praise, and to give thanks – when I am surrounded and when it’s just me in the quiet of my heart.”

— Hannah Brencher

Bible Good Morning Quotes

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

— Lamentations 3:22-23

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

— Psalm 5:3 

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

— Psalm 90:14

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

— Psalm 143:8

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

— Proverbs 4:18

“Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.”

— Isaiah 33:2

“He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”

— Isaiah 50:4

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

— Mark 1:35

Famous Good Morning Quotes

“Work, work, from morning until late at night. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer.”

— Martin Luther

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” 

— Eleanor Roosevelt 

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” 

— Benjamin Franklin 

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” 

— Henry David Thoreau

“I think Christ has recommended rising early in the morning, by his rising from the grave very early.”

— Jonathan Edwards

A Good Morning Blessing

As you go, please know that I’m praying for you. Praying that as sure as the sun rises, whether we see through the clouds or not, you will know that God is present. He’s patiently waiting with all the kindness in His eyes for you to turn yours toward Him.

No matter the hour, mornings give us that – a chance to turn our attention toward our always praiseworthy God. So much can change when we give Him a little time, no matter how early we arise.

May you awake knowing that God is near.

May you rise with a rustle of hope in your heart.

May you pause in prayerful gratitude.

May you nourish your soul in His Word.

May you carry peace, joy, and the assurance 

of God’s presence with you throughout your day.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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Article by Jennifer Dukes Lee with Twyla Franz

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