When British preacher and writer John Stott turned 80, a friend penned a tribute to him that highlighted his discipline of prayer. For decades, Stott has begun each day with a prayer like this:

"Good morning, heavenly Father. Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, Holy Spirit." Stott then goes on to worship each member of the Trinity individually, acknowledging and praising them for their work in the lives of believers.

Then he continues, "Father, I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen."

The psalmist said that "it is good . . . to declare [God's] lovingkindness in the morning" (92:1-2). So why not use John Stott's prayer of praise and petition as a pattern for yours today? It's a wonderful way to begin a conversation with God.  —DCM  — David C. McCasland