By Jeffrey Sherrod, Academic Dean

Morning prayer at The Institute for GOD isn’t just a routine. It’s a practice that keeps students grounded and gives them the focus they need before the day gets going. Setting aside time in the morning for prayer helps students center their minds on God and prepare themselves for what lies ahead.

1. Setting Apart Time for God

Morning prayer is about making a deliberate decision to give time to God before the distractions of the day take over. As Jesus teaches, "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9). This time reminds us who we’re prioritizing.

Advice:
Give God your best time, not what’s leftover. Show up for morning prayer ready—focused, awake, and attentive. You’re meeting with the Creator of everything, so treat it with the respect that deserves.

2. Starting the Day with God’s Purpose

In the morning, we can realign ourselves with God’s plans. This is about asking, “What does God want for me today?” Jesus says, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). It’s a chance to start the day with the right perspective.

Advice:
Take a few minutes each morning to ask God what He wants for your day. By doing this, you’re reminding yourself that you’re part of something bigger, and that changes how you approach everything.

3. Petitioning for Daily Needs

Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), which is a reminder to bring our needs to God, whether it’s for strength, wisdom, or provision. It’s a practical way to acknowledge that we don’t have to do this alone.

Advice:
Be honest about what you need today. Whether it’s patience for a tough class or the courage to deal with personal issues, morning prayer is where you can lay it out before God and trust Him to provide.

4. Praying for Relationships

College is full of interactions, and let’s be real—not all of them are easy. Jesus teaches us, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This is a reminder to keep short accounts, both with others and with God.

Advice:
Use morning prayer as a time to check yourself when it comes to relationships. Holding a grudge? Struggling to forgive? Address it in prayer. It clears the mental and emotional clutter so you can move forward.

5. Seeking Protection and Guidance

We all face challenges, and praying for protection is about acknowledging we need God’s help to get through the day without stumbling. "And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from evil" (Matthew 6:13) reminds us that we don’t have to face everything alone.

Advice:
Ask for help. Whether it’s making wise choices or staying on the right path, morning prayer gives you the chance to set up guardrails for the day. God’s got your back, but asking for His help is key.

Morning Prayer Beyond College

While morning prayer is a significant part of life at The Institute for GOD, it’s not something that should stop after college. This practice can serve you well in every stage of life. Taking time to pray each morning sets you up with the right mindset, no matter where you are.

Advice:
The habit of morning prayer can travel with you—whether you're working, in ministry, or just trying to figure life out. It's a simple way to make sure your priorities stay in check and you’re relying on God.

Wrapping Up

Morning prayer is a practical, straightforward way to begin each day with focus and purpose. At The Institute for GOD, it’s part of our daily rhythm because it works—students grow spiritually and feel better prepared for whatever comes next. Try it out and see how it can impact your own routine and mindset.