Encouragement

So, what kinds of things make me get up in the morning, despite negativity?
I think about those few moments when I first become conscious. What are the things my mind drifts to? The very first thing is the one that most encourages me: my communication with God.
Prayer is something that has uplifted people since time began. We were designed to feel a desire to have connection with our Creator, just as a baby is designed to reach out to his or her parents. Prayer is not the same as meditation. Prayer is honest, open direction of thoughts and feelings to a higher being, while meditation is a concentration of the mind on a certain phrase or concept. A state similar to some kinds of meditation is achieved during prayer at times, one in which the person experiences greater relaxation and concentration.
What do I pray about? First, for strength to get up. My emotions have been in an uproar lately, and my body has felt the effect of this stress. Second, because I care about how my actions and thoughts affect my Creator, I ask for forgiveness from him for the errors I have committed the day before or am sure to commit during the day that is beginning. I know that he is compassionate and especially understand what I have been going through like no person on earth could.
I also ask him to help me in my struggle to overcome certain bad tendencies, like anger.
I thank him for giving me another day of life. Even with troubles, life is still worth living, because there will be gifts provided, even though they might seem small sometimes.
These are just some of the things that I pray about. What do you pray for? How does prayer help you to feel optimistic? I would love to hear from you in the comments. Have a good day!