Morning Prayer: “Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth.”

 


At first glance, this sounds like a prayer for smooth sailing — a life without obstacles, without strain, without the rough waters that make us brace ourselves and hold on. And part of us wants that. Of course we do. Who wouldn’t ask God for a path that is level, predictable, and kind to our bones.

But “level and smooth” in Scripture rarely means easy. It means true. It means aligned. It means not crooked, not deceptive, not destructive.

A smooth path is not one without storms. It’s one without false turns.

If anything, the rough waters are where we learn how to sail — how to read the wind, how to trust the keel, how to steady our hands. The psalmist isn’t asking to be spared from all difficulty; he’s asking to be spared from futility. From wasted struggle. From wandering into terrain that breaks the spirit instead of strengthening it.

“Guide me in ways that are level and smooth” is really:

Lead me where the challenges shape me, not shatter me. Lead me where the ground under my feet is honest. Lead me where the struggle has purpose.

Smoothness is not the absence of waves. It’s the presence of God’s direction within them.

Today’s prayer:

Lord, guide me toward the paths that are straight and true. Let the rough waters teach me, not drown me. Let Your good spirit steady my steps, so that whatever comes, I walk in the way You have made level. Amen.


Read more Morning Prayer posts: MSI Press Blog

Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website). Post may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and/or wording).


Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)


Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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