First Things First: Daily Prayer

The other day, I was listening to a podcast on the bible, Bible in a Year by Fr. Mike Shmitz. The topic was the story of the brothers, Cain and Abel. If you do not know the story, the story goes as follows: 

Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd. Both of the brothers offered gifts to God. Abel offered the best of his flock, while Cain offered fruits from his farm. God was pleased with Abel's offering, while Cain’s offering left something to be desired. Cain became jealous of his brother, and in his jealousy, Cain murdered Abel. The story continues with the punishment that God gives Cain. 

In his analysis of the story, Fr. Mike talked about God being pleased with Abel because he gave God the best that he had, his first fruits. Then, Fr. Mike asked his listeners if they give God their best. I began to think to myself,

 What is my best? Do I give God my best? Do I give it every day?  

The answers to these questions are going to vary greatly from person to person. How a person answers may depend upon their state in life, or it may depend upon their abilities and work schedule, etc.

As for myself, I am not a morning person (ask my husband😉). I like to get up, take time to wake up a bit, and maybe get a few things done. Once eight o’clock rolls around, and the kids are off playing independently before we begin our schooling, I finally feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It is then that I feel alert and have mental clarity. So, it is at that time that I sit down and pray. This is what I consider to be my “first fruits” or the best that I am able to give to God. I have noticed that on the days that I prioritize prayer, God gives me peace and sustenance for the adversities that arise during that day. Once I realized this, I wondered,

Is daily prayer an optional thing?

Don’t I owe it to God, to my family and to myself to set up for a successful day?

My conclusion: Giving God the first fruits of my day is not optional.

This is my personal reflection, and I have also heard many testimonies from other friends and family who say that beginning their day with prayer, at whatever time their “first fruits” are, is the beginning of a more peaceful and joyful day.