A Prayer to Start the Day with Gladness
By Kristine Brown
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17 ESV)
The moment I wake up, thoughts begin competing for my attention. I’ve noticed that my response depends on where I put my focus. I may react with frustration over my long to-do list awaiting me, or I may worry about things out of my control. I might even feel moody because I didn’t sleep well. So I have a choice to make first thing in the morning when starting my day. Will I choose to focus on whichever thought screams the loudest? Or will I choose gladness?
Acts 14 gives an account of Paul and Barnabas as they traveled around preaching about Jesus. While in Lystra, God used Paul to heal a man “crippled from birth.” The townspeople immediately began praising Paul and Barnabas and calling them gods. The crowd’s focus was on the wrong thing, so they couldn’t see the true source of their gladness.
Paul and Barnabas showed great remorse for how the people responded. They pleaded with the witnesses to “turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” (Acts 14:15) Then Paul pointed the people back to Jesus by telling them about his goodness.
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17 ESV)
The people who witnessed the miracle healing had every reason to be glad that day. No doubt they wanted to rejoice for this good thing they’d seen happen right before their eyes! But they turned their focus away from the One who will satisfy us, whatever the day brings. Paul’s words from our key verse still hold truth for us today. Instead of beginning the day focused on the wrong things, let’s think about this:
Jesus satisfies our hearts with gladness.
Starting the day with gladness will change the atmosphere in our homes, workplaces, or wherever we are. It sets the right tone for the day ahead. Let’s thank Jesus right now and start this day being glad because of Him.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are my source of gladness. When I’m tempted to start my day with worry, frustration, or disappointment, I will turn my focus toward you. I have reason to rejoice today because of Jesus.
It’s so easy to get distracted by the cares of this world and forget that you created the earth and everything in it. James 1:17 tells me, “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” Thank you for the beauty of your creation, the comfort of your presence, and the wonderful gift of eternal life through your son. Whatever this day brings, I will respond with gladness because you are the only One who satisfies my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Design credit: ©SalemdDesign/Bethany Pyle
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships, with Debra Fileta
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others.
Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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