The Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Have Mercy on Me | Morning Prayers

Start your morning with peace, clarity, and God’s presence. The Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner", is one of the most powerful and ancient Christian prayers. It opens the heart, centers the mind, and reminds us that mercy is always available. Below are five heartfelt morning prayers built around this sacred phrase. Let each one lead you into a deeper connection with Christ as you begin your day.

Morning Prayer 1: Surrender and Gratitude

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Thank You, Lord, for the breath in my lungs and the gift of a new day. I rise with gratitude in my heart. Whatever this day holds, joys, trials, work, or rest, I surrender it all into Your hands. Help me to walk with a spirit of peace, not rushing or worrying, but trusting that You are already ahead of me, preparing the way.

I know I am not perfect. I carry my failures and regrets, but I also carry hope, hope that You will use even my weakness for something good. Jesus, be with me today. Let Your mercy soften my heart. Guide my words, direct my steps, and keep me close to You. I want to live this day for You. Amen.

Morning Prayer 2: Strength and Protection

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

This morning, I ask for Your strength. Life can be overwhelming, but You, Jesus, are my rock and my defender. Keep me strong in the face of temptation. Protect me from harm, from fear, from the voice of doubt. Wrap Your arms around my family and loved ones, guard them through every moment of this day.

May I respond to stress with patience, to frustration with grace, and to challenges with faith. When I grow weary, renew my spirit. When I am uncertain, guide my choices. Lord, be my refuge. You are my safe place, my peace in every storm. Walk with me today and let Your mercy cover everything I do. Amen.

Morning Prayer 3: Guidance and Wisdom

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

I begin this day with questions, Lord. There are things I don’t understand and decisions I need to make. I don’t want to rely only on my thoughts or instincts, I need Your wisdom. Please lead me with Your light. Help me to pause when I rush, to reflect before I act, and to love before I judge.

Let my heart be calm and my mind be clear. Show me what really matters and help me not to get lost in distractions. Help me to speak kindly, to listen deeply, and to act with honesty. Lord, remind me that every small act of goodness matters in Your eyes. Be my compass and my guide. Amen.

Morning Prayer 4: Repentance and Renewal

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Today I come to You humbly, asking for Your forgiveness. I confess the ways I’ve fallen short, my impatience, my pride, my silence when I should have spoken up. Cleanse my heart, Jesus. Wash me with Your mercy and give me a fresh start.

Thank You for never turning away from me. Even when I mess up, You’re still here. Help me to be better today than I was yesterday, not by my own strength but by Yours. Fill me with compassion, honesty, and grace. Let me forgive others as freely as You forgive me. Let today be a day of healing and new life. Amen.

Morning Prayer 5: Peace and Presence

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

As I open my eyes to a new morning, I invite Your peace into my heart. Before the busyness begins, I want to be still and know that You are God. Let Your presence shape my entire day. When anxiety tries to take over, whisper peace to my soul. When I feel lost in the rush, slow me down and remind me to breathe with You.

Let my home, my work, my relationships reflect Your presence. Let every conversation I have today carry a piece of Your love. Jesus, thank You for being here with me, right now and always. I don't have to earn Your nearness; I just have to receive it. Walk with me through every hour of this day. Amen.

Carry this with you

The Jesus Prayer is short, simple, and deeply powerful. Use it throughout your day, not just in the morning. Whether whispered in moments of stress or prayed in silent stillness, it draws us back to Jesus, again and again. Start your mornings with these prayers and carry His mercy with you wherever you go.