A Prayer for Dark Winter Mornings
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12
Listen or Read Below:
Dark winter mornings can feel especially cold, quiet, and slow to wake. The darkness seems to hang on as long as it can, and without warmth nearby—a fire, a cozy chair, or a thick blanket—it can feel unsettling. In moments like that, it’s easy to remember how deeply we need light.
But darkness doesn’t last. One day, it won’t exist at all. God’s plan is to remove it forever, which is why, as His children, we naturally resist the dark. It isn’t part of our future.
Revelation 22:5 promises this hope: “There will be no more night… for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.”
Unlike the classic Simon and Garfunkel lyric, “Hello darkness, my old friend,” darkness is not our friend, and it never has been.
For everyone, but especially for Christians, darkness isn’t something to welcome. That’s one reason dark winter mornings can feel extra challenging for those of us who love the light.
If we aren’t paying attention, those dim mornings can start to weigh on us. Winter darkness has a quiet way of trying to pull us down, draining our joy, dulling our hope, and convincing us to settle into the shadows.
But darkness has no real power over us, because we belong to the light. Ephesians 5:8-10 reminds us: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…” We’re called to live in goodness, righteousness, and truth, and to seek what pleases God.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 reassures us that, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
Darkness always tries to spread and hide, holding back the light that exposes what’s been buried. That’s why Ephesians 5:11 urges us: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Even though darkness can feel overwhelming, it’s actually weak when light shows up. Darkness has no choice but to flee and retreat when the light comes.
Think about bringing a single candle into a dark room. The darkness can’t put out that flame. It can only shrink back as the light spreads. John 1:5 puts it perfectly: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The Apostle Paul also reminds us in Romans 13:12 that light doesn’t just guide us, but also protects us: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
So, when it comes to dark winter mornings, the light we carry within us, along with the lights we turn on, chases away the darkness so we can bask in the light of the Lord. As 1 John 1:5 says, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”
And Psalm 139:12 gives us even more comfort: “Even the darkness will not be dark to you… for darkness is as light to you.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
We praise You, as You are light and there is no darkness in You.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for Your light that shines brightly within and through us, dispelling the darkness in the world that tries to draw us in and overtake us.
But we have Jesus, the light of the world, who has called us to be Your children of light, filling us and covering us with the armor of Your light.
Light our ways each day and help us to bask in Your light through the dark winter mornings. Fill our hearts and lips with joyful praises of the truth that darkness cannot overcome us or the world because of Your light.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Denis Mamin
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: God Is Near to the Hurting
Grief can feel isolating in ways you never expected. The world keeps moving—people laugh, argue, shop, and carry on—while your heart feels shattered. It can seem as though everyone else has moved on while you’re still standing in the ache of what was lost. In those quiet, lonely moments, Scripture offers a steady promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Your Nightly Prayer is a daily Christian prayer podcast from the LifeAudio Podcast Network and Crosswalk.com. May these nightly prayers help you find the words to pray and focus your heart and mind on the love of God as you end your day. If you like what you hear, follow on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 20 February 2026.
SHARE
