A Morning Prayer for a Difficult Day Ahead

Lord, I already know this one is going to be hard. The thing I have been dreading is on today's calendar, and I woke with a knot in my stomach that no coffee is going to loosen. I need You for this.

I confess I have spent the morning already living the hard parts in advance, imagining every painful turn, exhausting myself on a day that has not even arrived. I have carried tomorrow's weight too soon.

So I bring the difficulty to You honestly, without pretending I am stronger than I feel. Be my steadiness when my hands shake. Give me what I need not for the whole day at once, but for each hour as it comes.

You promised that when I pass through deep waters You will be with me, and the rivers will not sweep over me. I am holding that promise tight as I face what is ahead.

Walk beside me through every hard moment, and remind me I do not face any of it alone. Give me grace enough for this day only. I give You the difficulty, and I trust You to carry me through it. Amen.