Morning Routine: Starting Your Day Off Like the Saints
The Dawn of Holiness: How the Saints Began Their Days
In a quiet monastery in Italy, a young Thomas Aquinas would rise before dawn. While others still slept, he knelt in silent prayer, preparing his heart before the day’s work began. Centuries later, St. Thérèse of Lisieux would start her morning by making a simple yet profound offering of love to God, dedicating every moment ahead to His will.
What if you could begin your day with the same sense of purpose and devotion? While modern life is filled with distractions, adopting the habits of the saints can transform your mornings and your life.
Why Your Morning Routine Matters
Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. A rushed, chaotic start often leads to stress and disorder, while a peaceful, intentional beginning brings clarity and focus. Scripture reminds us:
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” — Psalm 5:3
Saints throughout history understood this, and their morning routines reflect a deep commitment to faith, discipline, and purpose. Let’s explore their habits and how you can apply them in your life.
1. Begin with Prayer and Thanksgiving
Before checking your phone or diving into responsibilities, dedicate your first moments to prayer. Many saints, including St. Francis of Assisi, would start their day by simply thanking God for another opportunity to serve Him.
Try This: Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside and write down three things you’re thankful for each morning. This practice aligns your heart with God’s blessings and helps cultivate a spirit of joy.
2. Anchor Your Mind in Scripture
St. John Paul II began his mornings with the Liturgy of the Hours and meditative Scripture reading. Immersing yourself in God’s Word first thing in the morning provides strength and direction for the day.
Try This: Read and reflect on a short Bible passage or the Gospel of the day before starting any other activity.
3. Structure Your Day with Purpose
St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, emphasized the "heroic minute"—getting out of bed immediately at the first alarm as an act of discipline. He believed that structuring your day with intentionality was a way to honor God.
Try This: Set a daily schedule the night before, listing your top three priorities. This ensures your actions align with your higher purpose.
4. Nourish Your Body and Soul
The saints understood that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. St. Benedict encouraged moderation, ensuring that even meals were taken with mindfulness and gratitude.
Try This: Start your day with a wholesome breakfast and some movement—whether it’s stretching, a walk, or simple deep breathing. Treat your body as a gift from God.
5. Offer Your Work to God
St. Thérèse of Lisieux believed that even the smallest tasks could be done with great love. By offering your work to God, you transform ordinary actions into acts of worship.
Try This: Before starting your work, say a short prayer like, "Lord, I offer this day’s work for Your glory."
Bringing It All Together
Following a saint-inspired morning routine doesn’t mean adding complexity to your life—it means simplifying and focusing on what truly matters. A structured morning brings peace, purpose, and a deeper connection with God.
If you want to take the next step in structuring a life rooted in purpose and faith, download our free guide, 7 Pillars to Purposeful Catholic Living. It will help you build holy habits that last beyond just the morning.
Final Thought
St. Augustine once said, “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest achievement.”
Let your mornings reflect this love. Start your day like the saints—and watch how it transforms your life.
What’s one morning habit you’d like to implement? Let us know in the comments!
