Good Morning, Digital Neighbors! Happy Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday!
Hey there, Phamily & Misfits, Friends & Refugees, Early Birds and Later Dayers, Conversants and Lurkers, ADD Irregulars, WSN Curators, and all you other free thinkers!

Even if you aren’t a person of faith, what are your first thoughts or aspirations as the day begins? I know for some it’s either a pilgrimage to the coffee maker or the toilet, but apart from those habitual activities, what are among the first thoughts that cross your mind as the day unfolds? Some reach for their phone and immediately turn to X or some other platform to begin the day’s deflation or outrage intake.

I imagine that for many it’s wondering or recalling what they must do. Parents (especially those with infants and toddlers) are often the exception—their day centers immediately on caring for their little ones. Busy or not, what are your first thoughts or intentional acts?

In Cath-o-landia, there’s an ancient practice called the Morning Offering to begin the day. It goes further back to the Jewish roots of Christianity and the morning prayers said by pious Jews upon awaking. The Modeh Ani sets the mood to one of immediate thanksgiving even before your feet hit the ground: “I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me. Great is Your faithfulness.” There is no better way to begin the day than with thanksgiving.

For years mine was prayed in the bathroom, and when the smartphone came along, I recorded it so I could pray along with myself. It’s a simple practice and habit that starts my day with the same desires and intentions. If you don’t have one, consider adopting a short prayer, quote, or saying to become your morning focus. It can have a real impact on steering your day and attitude in the right direction. Here is the first part of my Morning Offering. Enjoy!

My Morning Offering – adapted from the Lorica of St. Patrick

I arise today through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity,
through a belief in the Threeness,
through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me: from snares of devils,
from temptations of vices, from everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near, alone or in a multitude.
I arise today through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity,
through a belief in the Threeness,
through a confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of Creation.

Dedication to Jesus

May I have the eyes of Christ that I might see with His clarity and insight.
May I have the ears of Christ that I might listen with His compassion and understanding.
May I have the mouth of Christ that I might speak with His honesty and integrity.
May I have the hands of Christ that I might touch with His healing and presence.
May I have the mind of Christ that I might choose and act with His wisdom and awareness.
May I have the heart of Christ that I might love with His courage and humility.