“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33, NASB 1995

“In the morning, LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will present my prayer to You and be on the watch.” – Psalm 5:3, NASB 1995

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130, NASB 1995

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There’s a table with caster wheels—ready to move, yet for now it rests, stationed beside the chair where I sit in prayer. A candle burns low, pushing back the dark. Beside it, my open Bible lies in the glow. Next to it—a Watermark Community Church coffee cup, a gift from a dear brother, friend, and colleague. And then, a small sign that simply reads: “Pray First.”

This isn’t just ambiance—it’s a declaration. A habit. A hope.
In the stillness of morning or the hush of night, this image captures something deeper than routine: it captures alignment.

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Our culture says: “Act fast. Don’t waste time. Hustle.”
But Jesus says:

“Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

What if the power to do doesn’t come from pushing first, but from pausing first?
From praying first?

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Do your habits reflect your trust in God—or your trust in yourself?

When stress hits or deadlines close in, do you first turn to your calendar, your phone, your plans… or your Father?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6, NASB 1995

Prayer is not a pause in productivity—it’s the power source for it.

The candle burns not as decoration but as reminder:
light comes from God’s Word, and power comes from prayer.

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This week, don’t just wake up and dive in.
Instead:
🕯 Light a candle.
📖 Open your Bible.
🙏 Start by praying.

Ask God not only for provision, but for perspective.
Not only for answers, but for His presence.

Because prayer is not the last resort—it is the first weapon.

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To “pray first” is to acknowledge that we are not the light—we need the Light.
And in the Light of Christ, even the darkest rooms begin to glow.

“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” – Psalm 36:9, NASB 1995