Prayer--Strength for the Day

Strength for the Day

Prayer offered in early morning is decisive for the day. The wasted time we are ashamed of, the
temptations we succumb to, the weakness and discouragement in our work, the disorder and lack of
discipline in our thinking and in our dealings with other people - all these very frequently have their
cause in our neglect of morning prayer. The ordering and scheduling of our time will become more
secure when it comes from prayer. The temptations of the working day will be overcome by this
breakthrough to God. The decisions that are demanded by our work will become simpler and easier
when they are made not in fear of other people, but solely before the face of God. "Whatever you do,
do it from your hearts, as done for the Lord and not done for human beings" (Col. 3:23). Even routine
mechanical work will be performed more patiently when it comes from the knowledge of God and
God's command. Our strength and energy for work increase when we have asked God to give us the
strength we need for our daily work.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer -
from Life Together 76
from A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer Carla Barnhill, Ed., HarperSan Francisco, 2005