We’re all looking for a good morning routine.
Thousands of books, podcasts, and so-called health gurus promise a path to a peaceful and productive morning routine. They outline meditative practices, supplement regimens, and workout routines, all promising to wake you up and give you a successful start to your day.
But there is a better, simpler way. And it has over 2,000 years of proof.
It is the Chaldean Morning Prayer, an Eastern Catholic tradition that has its roots in the ancient Jewish ways of praying with psalms and hymns.
The Chaldean Morning Prayer has evolved throughout the centuries. The Council of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in 410 A.D. helped formalize many aspects of the Eastern liturgy, including the daily prayers.
In the 16th century, with more influences from the Roman Catholic Church, this morning prayer began incorporating elements from Western liturgical practices while maintaining the distinctive Eastern identity.
To this day, this prayer is still prayed frequently in the Eastern Catholic Church.
Despite being over 2,000 years old, this wise-old prayer has much to teach us moderns, both Eastern and Western, about the best way to start our day: prayer.
Here is a beautiful version of the Chaldean Morning Prayer:
As morning dawns, we praise you, Lord, for you have saved your whole creation. In mercy, grant a day of peace; bestow forgiveness for our sins.
May you not ever cut off hope, nor shut the door before our face. Do not withhold your care from us, for you alone know our weakness.
Sow love, peace, and harmony; uphold our priests and calm our kings; heal all our sick and guard the strong; forgive the sins of all mankind.
So, put down the health books and Instagram influencer morning routines and begin your day with prayer.
If there’s anything better than starting your day with prayer, it’s starting and ending your day with prayer! This Daily Prayers for Mornings & Evenings Set is designed to help build this rewarding habit. It offers inspired devotions, Scripture passages that focus on God’s wisdom, peace, and hope, and prompts for starting daily conversations with our Heavenly Father. It’s great for any age and vocation! Order your set today from The Catholic Company and invest in a habit that will help you for eternity!
