A Prayer of Intention
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Below is a great way to start your day in prayer with Intention. In the same way the Prayer of Examen is a look back over the day/week or month the prayer of Intention is a way to consider what lies ahead for during the day.
PRAYER OF INTENTION
(MORNING EXAMEN)
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” — Psalm 5:3
1. Become Still
John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Take a few deep breaths. Become aware of God’s presence as you begin this day.
Pray; quietly in your heart: “Here I am, Lord. I am listening.”
As you begin to recognize the presence of God, ask yourself, what desires do I have for today? What Are some things that you are longing for?
2. Offer the Day to God
With openness, speak to God about the day ahead:
• What lies ahead of you today— Just name the raw materials of your day (meetings, tasks, deadlines, relationships (Good and Hard) decisions, busyness or moments of rest?)
• Don’t try to fix or figure them out—just lay them down, as if placing them on an altar before the Lord.
• As you do that, how do you feel? Relief, worry, fear? Does that reveal anything about your desires?”
• Now, how are you entering the day? How do you feel—hopeful, anxious, distracted, grateful, excited, despairing, sad?
Pray:
“Lord, this day is Yours. I offer my schedule, the busyness of the day, the slowness of the day, the ordinary, literally everything and everyone I encounter I give to You. Would you walk with me in every moment?”
3. Asking for Grace and Guidance
Ask God to lead you through the day with clarity, love, and attentiveness.
• What do you need from God today?
• Where do you long to experience His presence? Are you expecting any potential disappointments? What does this say or tell you about your longings/desires?
• In what area of life do you need wisdom or strength?
Pray:
“Father, open my heart, mind, soul and strength me for the day. Give me eyes to see You, ears to hear You, and a heart ready to respond.”
4. Looking Ahead with Intention
Reflect on how you want to live today.
• Where might you be called to love someone well?
• How might you reflect Christ in your work, your conversations, or your inner life?
• What fruit of the Spirit might you need most today? Galatians 5:22-23, “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control.
• How is Jesus inviting me to follow Him more closely today in my attitude, actions, or relationships?
Is there a specific area where I sense His call to obedience, trust, or love?
Where might I need to take up my cross today and choose the way of Jesus over comfort, control, or self-interest?
How can I reflect the heart of Jesus in the ordinary moments ahead—through humility, compassion, or courage?
Pray:
“Help me live this day as Your child, following Jesus with intention and grace.”
5. Waiting Expectantly
Take this next moment to pause in stillness. Reflect on the past 4 prayer prompts and sit with God in quiet trust waiting not passively, but with the expectant hope that He will be present and active in your day.
If it’s helpful while silent use a word, phrase, or a verse from the Bible or a favorite name for God to help center your time. If you begin to feel distracted, bring it to mind.
Jot down any Scripture, songs, impressions, or pictures God gives you. If anything feels important bring it to a trusted friend, pastor or spiritual director to discern.
Pray:
“I place this day in Your hands, Lord. I will walk with hope and watch for You.”
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