Verse of the Day for July 1

David does not begin with a speech. He begins with the voice of my cry, which is the sound a person makes before they have found any words at all.

Then he says when: in the morning, twice in a single verse. Morning is the hour when nobody feels ready. The face is unwashed, the mind is still slow, and yesterday's worry is already sitting on the edge of the bed.

The word direct carries the picture of setting things in order, the way wood was laid out on an altar before the fire came. David arranges his prayer, and then he does the second thing, the one we usually skip. He will look up. He waits to see what God does with it.

Readiness is not the entry fee. A cry is enough to begin, and the order can come after. God hears the voice before he hears the arrangement.

Tomorrow, before you reach for anything on the pillow, say one honest sentence to him. Then, somewhere between the bath and the front gate, glance up. Expect him in the hours that follow.

A rough prayer said in the morning is still a prayer said in the morning.

Somewhere in the day, look up, and expect to be answered.