Recently I wrote a blog about first thoughts upon waking—thoughts of Jesus and thoughts of our own. The thoughts dealt with things to do, wishful thinking, people we know now as Biblical characters. Although I submitted the blog, I felt there might be criticism about not including prayer, thanks, and praise as first thoughts. But I reasoned this way: Jesus is God incarnate, totally divine and totally human. Jesus experienced everything we experience. If we awake with varied thoughts and feelings from excitement to sadness and grief, joy or fatigue, then Jesus may have done the same. I imagine, though, that prayer followed right behind. Inspired by his Holy Spirit, Jesus would have begun his day with prayer. Would Jesus have prayed “My Dad in heaven, hallowed by your name. Help me to let your kingdom come, and may I do your will today”?

How do you pray early in morning upon waking? Is there a litany of family members and friends? Do you pray about world news from the news of last night? Feel exuberant about your favorite team’s victory? Do the day’s worries intrude? Do you welcome them as they form petitions like “God, help my daughter in her distress”?

First thoughts may indicate many things about ourselves, but on second thought they may be a catalyst to pray.