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Good morning, friend. Are you looking for a way to start your day with intention and purpose? If so, this morning prayer to follow Jesus can help you on your way. In Matthew 9:9, Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple, and today, he is calling you too. This prayer is an opportunity to surrender your day to him and to seek his guidance and direction in all that you do. So, take a deep breath, quiet your heart, and let’s begin.
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him” (Matthew 9:9, ESV).
Dear Jesus,
I want to wake up each day with a grateful heart. I am grateful for the gift of life and for the opportunity to follow you. As I begin this new day, I remember your call to me, just like you called Matthew in Matthew 9:9. You saw a tax collector, but you also saw something more—a disciple.
Lord, I pray that I may hear your call and respond to it with the same eagerness and readiness Matthew did. I pray that I may be willing to leave behind anything that hinders me from following you. May I be open to your guidance and direction today, and every day.
As I go through this day, I pray that I may reflect your love and mercy to those around me. May my words and actions be pleasing to you, and may they inspire others to seek you as well. Help me to be patient and kind, especially to those who are difficult to love. May I extend grace to them as you have extended grace to me.
Lord, I know that following you is not always easy. There will be challenges and obstacles along the way. But I also know that you are faithful and that you will be with me every step of the way. Help me to trust in you and to rely on your strength when I am weak. May I never forget that you are my source of hope and courage.
So today, Lord, I choose to follow you. I surrender my plans, my dreams, my desires, and my fears to you. I entrust my life to your loving hands and ask that you guide me according to your will. May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life, as it is in heaven. In your name I pray. Amen
Now listen to this short devotional from Abide based on Matthew 9:9.
Your Call to Follow Jesus
Maybe you’re praying this morning prayer to follow Jesus today because you are seeking to follow him more closely. Maybe you’ve heard his call, but you’re not sure what it means or how to respond to it.
The good news is that Jesus’ call is for everyone, regardless of who you are or what you’ve done. You don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out to follow him. All you need is a willingness to say “yes” and to trust Him with your life.
Following Jesus means letting go of your own plans and surrendering to his will. It means loving God above all else and loving your neighbor as yourself. It means living a life of faith, hope, and love, even when it’s not easy.
But following Jesus also means experiencing his grace and mercy in your life. It means having a peace that surpasses all understanding and a joy that cannot be taken away. It means being part of a community of believers who support and encourage each other on the journey.
If you’re ready to follow Jesus more closely, download the Abide app. Abide offers daily devotionals like the one in this post, guided meditations, and Bible-based sleep stories to help you grow in your relationship with God. It’s a great way to start your day with prayer and to stay connected with Jesus throughout the day.
Jesus is calling you by name. Will you answer his call today?
