This is the July to December volume of "Morning Communings With God" by Christoph Christian Sturm. It is a classic devotional work that offers daily meditations intended to be read in the quiet hours of the morning. Originally written in the 18th century, the book reflects Sturm's profound reverence for God, his love of nature, and his desire to inspire heartfelt devotion in the lives of believers. Each meditation typically begins with a reflection on a theme drawn from Scripture or the natural world, leading into prayerful thoughts aimed at directing the soul toward God at the start of the day. Sturm's tone is gentle, contemplative, and filled with awe at God's wisdom, goodness, and providence. The devotions are rich in spiritual insight, often blending theology, moral reflection, and poetic appreciation of creation. Morning Communings With God invites readers to begin each day with gratitude, humility, and renewed trust in the Lord, making it a treasured resource for cultivating a daily habit of communion with God through prayer and reflection.
July 1 The Preservation of Life Attributed to God The preservation of my life is one of the greatest wonders, and one which God works on reg
July 2 Calamity and Woe Inseparable from Mortality As long as I live in this world, I must always be ready for times filled with worry and s
July 3 Happiness of Celestial Spirits I walk with those glorified happy spirits, who lovingly bless all who will later join them as associat
July 4 Proofs of a Life to Come As dark and mysterious as the future and a significant part of my destiny are to me, I am aware of this: the
July 5 The Importance of Acknowledging Our Weakness and Imperfection. I can't remind myself of my weaknesses often enough, since my heart, d
July 6 Man's Unworthiness Compared with God's Goodness I must be deliberately ignoring the truth, I must be ungrateful and lack any emotion,
July 7 Fidelity to God and Man Every morning calls upon me to pledge anew my loyalty to the Lord, to whom I was dedicated through baptism. F
July 8 The Benefit of Faith and Trust in God If I didn't know that God reigns, and that this God is my Creator and my Father, I couldn't hel
July 9 The Many Failures and Illnesses of the Soul and Body When I think that every foolish act, every mistake, and every sin is a serious i
July 10 The Pride of Being a Christian Being a Christian is the first thought that, at the start of today, will fill my entire soul, bringin
July 11 The Love and Charity of Jesus In a world often lacking in love, I find comfort in remembering the kindness of Jesus and in the hope
July 12 All God's Plans are Good The Lord has made all things well! I've often said this with deep emotion when I've directly experienced th
July 13 Praise and Adoration of Jesus To know, O Jesus, how much you have loved us, and yet not to praise you, would be the most unjustifiab
July 14 Acknowledgment of Divine Favors Amid the thanks which I feel I owe to the Supreme Being, do I remember the benefits I received at my
July 15 The Parallel between the Pains and Pleasures of Life Life is filled with a vast array of recreations provided by the kind hand of my
July 16 The Spirit and Grace of God Implored Against Sin What comfort lies in the belief that the All-good listens to the prayers of his chi
July 17 The Duty of Loving God If loving God means we keep his commandments, and if these commandments are not hard for someone who truly lo
July 18 The Beauties of Early Morning Oh! How many spend this morning sleeping and inactive, not feeling those elevated emotions that the si
July 19 Care for the Life to Come If all I have to look forward to is this life; if everything ends with my death, then I will enjoy this sh
July 20 False Estimate of the Means of Happiness "Impotent man that I am, daily do I experience that all my endeavours to avert dangers or t
July 21 The True Importance of Life I've lived this long already: so many mornings have I been given the gift of renewed life, but how seldo
July 22 Reflections on the Shortness, Vanity, and Hard Work of Our Lives As often as with every new day, I step back into the world, gaining
July 23 It's Important to Be Moderate in Our Requests to Heaven There's a story about two shepherds who, after a long period without rain, p
July 24 God Proclaimed both through Nature and the Spiritual World When I deeply think about the greatness and majesty of my God, how do I t
July 25 Dignity and Value of the Christian Calling Every time I see a new day in my life and feel renewed energy for doing good works, I als
July 26 Morning Meditation: A Great Way to Prepare for the Day's Tasks What thoughts and considerations can help me get into the best mindse
July 27 Seeking Support from God in Times of Need and Suffering Today marks the beginning of my journey in a world filled with unrest and ch
July 28 The Necessity of God's Blessing for Success in Our Efforts It's undeniable that without God's blessing, all our efforts are futile,
July 29 Prayer for Help to Give Up Worldly Desires and to Be Devoted to God Most holy God! You who fill heaven and earth with your presence,
July 30 God's Government and Support are Always Needed by Man If I were to face the world this morning relying on my own strength, I would i
July 31 On Wasted Time Nothing slows down the swift passage of time: one year, one month, one day follows another so quickly that they're al
August 1 The Unchanging Nature of God's Goodness In the constant and swift passage of time, which rushes forward without pausing for even a
August 2 Every Person Capable of Promoting Goodness in Their Own Sphere, but Must Begin by Correcting Themselves Every day puts me in a new
August 3 The Duty of Dedicating Ourselves to God Every morning brings with it a serious call to dedicate myself to the Lord, the exalted fri
August 4 God's Gifts for Human Comfort and Support The air I breathe; the light that lets me see; the warmth that heats me; the fruits of th
August 5 Man, a Pilgrim and Sojourner on Earth Everywhere I look, reminders abound that my role in this world is that of a pilgrim. Whether
August 6 The Sorrows of Repentance, and their Remedy I know your law, you holy and righteous God, and I know and believe that you have given
August 7 Motives for Contentment If I had such a positive mindset, that I could say I'm content in both good and bad times with what God giv
August 8 Maxims of Wisdom I can't start this new day, which God grants me, in a better or more prudent way than by reflecting on my purpose;
August 9 The Hope of Immortality: A Powerful Motivation for Piety I gain new strength to do good, and a holy zeal lifts my soul when I think
August 10 Understanding Heaven and Its Joy We, born and destined for heaven, must learn about heaven and all its joys. We, living in the wor
August 9 God's Goodness Celebrated by all Creation The entire world is a stage for God's goodness: no creature is excluded from enjoying his
August 12 The Christian Prepared for Every Change in Life How often has the sad changeability of earthly things brought me down! How often h
August 13 The Impact of Private Prayer and Devotion on Public Life My heart compels me this morning, O searcher of all hearts, to offer you
August 14 Growth in Godliness compared with the Growth of Natural Productions Just as in nature, everything visibly progresses to maturity,
August 14 Happiness: The Universal Wish and Seeking God's Help to Achieve It The common goal for all rational beings at the start of this da
August 16 Man, Unable to Praise God Adequately with His Words, Must Strive to Do So Through His Actions Lord, you who rule over the entire w
August 17 Duty of Watchfulness Every time I wake up from sleep, it's a new thrill and a reminder for me to stay alert in spirit; every new d
August 18 Dangers of Life Just as a man who risks himself in a fragile boat on stormy seas, so is one who steps into the world: dangers surr
August 19 The Promises of God are Stable and Sure My destiny is in the best and most faithful hands, since I've entrusted it to the Lord, wh
August 20 Proofs of God's Goodness to Ourselves How uplifted, how comforted do I feel when I reflect on the ups and downs of my life, on the
August 21 The Christian at the Feet of his Redeemer Redeemer! I come to you: I sit down at your feet to be taught and revitalized by you. Yo
August 22 Submission to God's Will If I were given the freedom this morning to achieve whatever my heart desires through my pleas, my main p
August 23 The most Secret Whispers of Prayer reach God, to whom our Frame of Mind is accurately Known Lord, you sit on the throne of your gl
August 24 The Different Ages of Man It's truly sad to reflect on human life from my own experiences. If I look back from my earliest years t
August 25 Desire to be Worthy of God's Love and Mercy All-Adorable Being! You are the most tender and most generous, the truest and wisest f
August 26 Morning Meditations for the Soul This new day of life is an encouragement and duty to you, my soul, to thoughtfully and conscienti
August 27 God All in All Today, I lift my heart to you, O God, my soul's comfort, and my portion forever! To be united and reconciled with y
August 28 Memorials of Decay and Death How vividly does everything around me remind me of the common fate of humanity—mortality! Even if I w
August 29 The Comfort of Living under God's Rule What would happen to my heart if I didn't dare to trust fully in Him who can protect me wit
August 30 Rejoicing in Having the Lord as Our God I will not worry about anything, knowing that my God's advice is so wise and kind. I will
August 31 Time and Judgment How quickly my life slips away! Already, another month has once more vanished into the abyss of forgetfulness. T
September 1 Calls to Fully Trust in God How many reminders do I get every day to completely surrender to the wisdom and fatherly kindness of
September 2 God's Fatherly Care and Affection Can anything be imagined more tender than the heart of a loving mother, who, even when everyon
September 3 Reflections on our Mortal Dissolution Every day, I find new reasons and motivation to occupy myself with thoughts of death, and
September 4 Prayer for God's Compassion and Protection You, Being of all beings, behold, I am dust, but you have formed my spirit for eterni
September 5 Retrospect of Life Go back, my spirit, to the earlier times of your life; look down from the height you have reached, upon that
September 6 Awakening from Death Every new morning marks the start of another period of trial, misery, and worry. To see another morning is
September 7 The True Value of Earthly Things I live in a world where the goodness and love of God towards me are shown in countless ways. He
September 8 Advantages Given to Us Over Our Fellow Creatures Your blessings towards me are endless and eternal, most loving and generous Fat
September 9 The Grace and Influence of Prayer I am then always in the happiest and most blissful state of mind when I start the day with a r
September 10 God's Willingness to Forgive Encourages Christians to Admit Their Mistakes and Seek Divine Help Praised be your name, God of al
September 11 Man's Attachment to the Things of this World How easily my weak heart is drawn to its love of earthly things, and the empty joy
September 12 The Pointless Worries with which People Unnecessarily Distress Themselves I am aware that God's wisdom controls my fate, that h
September 13 Friendship Considered with Reference to God Without friendship and the mutual affection of humankind, the world would be much m
September 14 An Address of Thanksgiving and Universal Prayer Lord God, Father and Lord of my life! To you belong majesty and dominion, glory
September 15 Awakening from Sleep I woke up from the refreshing sleep of a peaceful night. No, it was the power of my Maker that woke me. Th
September 16 The True Application of Life Thanks and praise be to you, you preserver of my life! To you, my earliest feelings are dedicated,
September 17 Thanksgiving for Rest during Sleep, and Health upon Waking Eternal Father of humanity! Creator, supporter, and ruler! Worshiped
September 18 Contemplation of Christ's Agony What emotions I feel upon waking today! In those very hours when peaceful sleep restored me, Je
September 19 The Departure of the Beauties of Summer Where is that lively greenery that recently adorned the fields? Where are the flowers t
September 20 Proof of Humanity's Destined Immortality. I continue moving forward in my journey! I constantly get closer to death and eternit
September 21 The Christian's Gain, Pleasure, Honour, and Efforts Thousands this morning are focused solely on their material gain, and the a
September 22 The Happiness that Lasts Forever Shouldn't I, in humble awe, admire and adore you, O you who deserve honor and praise from both
September 23 The Christian sees himself as a Child I am like a child in knowledge, in desires, and in weakness. What do I really know? What
September 24 Nothing can Compensate for the Loss of the Soul The loss of what the world can offer is not beyond repair, but the loss of the
September 25 Lost Time Cannot Be Recovered Nothing makes me feel more humbled and brought low than realizing how often I've wasted the most
September 26 Supplication for Grace In just one night, I've moved closer to my final moment, and so much nearer to my ultimate goal! If only
September 27 Adoration of the Angels To mentally contemplate you in your wonders, O infinite Being, and to adore and venerate you, O ineffab
September 28 Comparison between the Natural Harvest and the Fruits of the Spirit For me, O thou exhaustless source of blessing and salvation
September 29 Readiness for Death and Eternity In order to make a happy progress on the path leading to heaven, being watchful is absolutely
September 30 Review of the Elapsed Month What have I neglected? And what have I performed? These are the questions I must ask myself at the
October 1 The Need for, and Comfort of Divine Support Most sad and without comfort, O my God, would be my situation if I had to face the unc
October 2 Confidence in Divine Support That I can face this day with a calm soul and without trouble is a result of the trust I have in the
October 3 The Sacrifices Required by Christianity Compared with Its Rewards Why am I scared of the hardships and the sacrifices that, as a f
October 4 The Importance of a Good Reputation After Death The joy of knowing you're loved by others is undoubtedly one of life's purest plea
October 5 Spiritual Dangers Just as a sailor, once he has embarked on the unpredictable sea, must be constantly ready to face dangerous stor
October 6 Contempt of God's Grace Every morning, my conscience sends me a strong message not to take for granted the grace of my God, nor to
October 7 The Present World is only a State of Trial Often, I find myself complaining about the hardships and troubles of life, the conflict
October 8 The Unjustifiability of Our Complaints and Murmurings For someone like me, who has made so little progress in self-improvement, it
October 9 Reflections on the Alternation of Day and Night The transition from day to night is undoubtedly a very beneficial arrangement by t
October 10 Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom It's my sacred duty to act in line with the wise and kind will of my Creator, and in everything I
October 11 The Mystery of God's Rules and Plans It's a blessing for me that I firmly believe God's ways are all about love and truth; and th
October 12 Time to Prepare for Eternity Every day of my life shows me a snapshot of my entire existence. Its early light is like the youth o
October 13 Admiration of the Works of the Creator Don't suppress, O my soul, that natural desire with which the Lord has blessed you to admi
October 14 The Lot Appointed to Everyone, the Best for Him No matter how small the external fortune that, through God's plan, has come my wa
October 15 Godliness and Worldliness in Conflict To get closer to the goal my faith sets for me, to reach it finally, I must no longer confo
October 16 Offerings of Thanksgiving to God Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, and boast of his holy name! Speak to God and say
October 17 The Approach of Winter The discomfort of the coming winter is now deeply felt. My happiness fades; my soul seems to mourn with na
October 18 The Present and the Future State There is a vastly greater difference between my future and my present state than between the fai
October 19 The Wonders of the Human Body The extraordinary structure of my body alone is enough to convince me of the existence of an infini
October 20 God's Universal Care Every day, events around the world make it undeniable that a wise and kind Providence looks after the entire
October 21 The Unfeeling Sinner There's hardly any temperament so unfeeling and inflexible that it can't be moved and softened by kindness.
October 22 The Day of Judgment The time is near when everyone in their graves will hear God's voice and come out; those who have done good,
October 23 Reflections on an Added Day of Life Why has God once again blessed me with new life? This is the question I should ask my soul ev
October 24 Of Past Follies This morning, as the worries and troubles of life rush back into my heart, all my past mistakes and weaknesses co
October 25 God referred to as the All-wise and Generous Creator Who lifted in the sky that sun which now edges the distant horizon with gold
October 26 Instability of the World, of the Heart, and of Temporal Peace I live in the world, as if on a turbulent sea, where storms and tem
October 27 Christ, the Shepherd O Lord, you are the tender and faithful shepherd of my soul. I wish I had never strayed from the way you led
October 28 Instant Commitment to Serving God As often as in the quiet moments of reflection, I examine myself and test my own heart, and I s
October 29 Reasons for Perfect Resignation to God Complete resignation to God's will is the surest way to overcome the complexities and trou
October 30 The Need for Spiritual Alertness My heart, even at its best, tends to be careless and overly secure. Every moment, I'm at risk of
October 31 The Different Memories of Different People at the End of the Month How can I come before you, O Lord, three Persons and one God,
November 1 The Sinner's Comfort Despite everything I might come up with or say to lessen my guilt and to justify and defend my mistakes, it'
November 2 The Emptiness of Honor, Riches, and Prosperity Shouldn't I be grateful to you, the Source of life, for allowing me to see another
November 3 The Weakness of the Heart When I ask myself why I keep making the same mistakes that I've sworn off before God and to myself, I r
November 3 Time Not Fully Appreciated How rich is my life and the life of every person in the wonders of divine mercy, how rich in reminders
November 5 Working on Salvation Every morning is a new thrill for me to work for my salvation, just as it's a new motivation to apply myself
November 6 The Importance of Being Prepared for Death Why should I, as soon as I wake up to a new day, immediately think about death? Why sh
November 7 The Proper Estimate of Life Since every new day introduces you, O! my heart, into a new school of trial, struggle, and temptation
November 8 On the Baptismal Vows Even when I was unaware and unable to speak, held in my mother's arms, I was dedicated to God through bapti
November 9 The Prosperity of the Ungodly Not to be Envied I have no reason to envy the ungodly for their prosperity. I will never ask you, O
November 10 Sins of Youth Where would I be, great God, if you had not extended your hand over me? Into what depths of error, extravagance, a
November 11 The Wonders of the Sky, and the Mysteries of Salvation O God of majesty, as the rising sun brings in the day, I now look at the
November 12 Comfort Despite Our Physical Weaknesses Every time I wake up, I'm starkly reminded of my physical weakness and the fragility of
November 13 The Danger of Earthly Joys and Prosperity How natural it is that in the calm of this morning, I should wish and ask God for a co
November 14 Ignorance of the Future What will this day be my fate? Will I continue healthy and prosperous? Will I have enough, or will I suf
November 15 The Misery of Postponing Repentance As often as I'm shaken by a sad event or experience that reminds me of my indifference, I'm
November 16 Supplication for the Influence of the Holy Spirit Awake, my spirit, to the wonderful task of praising your Father and Benefactor
November 17 Mortality Praise be to you, O Lord, for through your grace I am reminded every new day of my mortality; for we should always rem
November 18 The Prospect of Eternal Happiness What can be more uplifting to my heart, and what should, therefore, occupy my devotion more, t
November 19 The Connection of the Present Life with the Everlasting One The thought that I am getting closer to my ultimate boundary, the li
November 20 The Duty of Loving God This day, all-beneficent Father, which you add to my previous life, is another repeated proof that you st
November 21 Man's Vain Desires Oh, if only this morning marked the start of a devout, joyful, and blessed life for me. Then I wouldn't just
November 22 Reflections Inspired by Shortening Days Recently, the bright red glow of early morning woke me from my deep sleep, lifting my sp
November 23 The Christian's Joyfulness Nothing is more effective in making my spirit rejoice at dawn than the thought that I am a Christian,
November 24 God's Care to Promote Our Salvation When I reflect on my entire life, and consider how I've avoided so many dangers that threate
November 25 Proper Estimate of the World I have already spent so many years in the world, and yet I have never truly dedicated myself to und
November 26 The Brief Time We Have to Prepare for Eternity The time I have to prepare for eternity is short, and I can't hurry enough to use
November 27 Winter, as well as Summer, Shows Us God's Presence In the pleasant seasons, it's indeed true that we can clearly see the goodnes
November 28 Praise of the Divine Benevolence You, Benefactor of all creatures, be praised for the rich blessings you scatter around us. I ad
November 29 Love towards God and Jesus If I love God and Jesus, I will always find comfort and be motivated to do good deeds. Whether I refl
November 30 Life and Death separated by a Narrow Boundary When the quick passage of time worries me, I think for my comfort on you, O Eterna
December 1 Calm Hope for the Future I would be unworthy of the kindness with which you, O Lord of my life, have so far protected me, if I di
December 2 Our Thoughts to be Elevated from the Creation to the Creator With no other intention, God created the world so beautiful, so dive
December 3 The Dedication of All Our Abilities to God To you alone, my God and Father, should I belong; to you alone should all my efforts a
December 4 The Happiness of Being a Real Christian Many people, without a doubt, consider themselves already happy if they wake up this morn
December 5 Gratitude to, and Reliance on, God God, Creator of my life, and my generous Preserver! My God, through whose kind favor I wake to
December 6 The Sin of Discontentment I would be the most ungrateful person alive if I didn't realize that God has made me capable of happine
December 7 The Present World is Only a State of Trial If I view my life on this earth from the correct perspective, it becomes clear that my
December 8 Reverence and Adoration Due to God With what deep reverence and awe must I approach your throne, you God of majesty, now that I s
December 9 Resolution to Perform the Duties of the Day I awake- the light of a new day shines on me, calling me once again to the tasks of l
December 10 Aspiring after Heaven My Christian citizenship, my hope, and my eternal destination are in heaven. To think of this, to become e
December 11 The Best-spent Life is the Longest To live long is a common and intense desire among people, and perhaps, it's what my soul long
December 12 Valuing Godliness Above All Else Health, wealth, honor, and love - these are the valuable things that everyone seems to want des
December 13 Thanks for the Divine Protection during the Night After a long night, the cheering rays of morning finally shine upon my eyes an
December 14 The Winter Season Why should I be unhappy with winter? How incredibly beneficial it is for someone who has learned to make the m
December 15 The Fewness and Sorrowfulness of the Days of Man My whole life is filled with pain and sorrow: each day brings its own trouble.
December 16 Prayer for Spiritual Gifts God, Creator and Lord of heaven and earth, merciful Giver and Father of humanity! I worship you with
December 17 The Joy of the Heart I will always strive, with honesty and brotherly love, to live for the benefit of others, not just for myse
December 18 True and Inexhaustible Sources of Joy The worshipper of Jesus Christ, the truly devout person, can always find joy: this I've of
December 19 Calls for Change and Repentance, and Why They're Essential How can I, with such strong encouragement and drives toward piety and
December 20 A Grateful and Affectionate Spirit Well-pleasing to the Lord I experience a new kind of joy, in the just-risen morning sun, the
December 21 Christian Humility before God When I think about who God is and who I am, I naturally feel extremely humble, and I can't approac
December 22 Review of the various Blessings received from God during the Year As I approach the end of the year, I feel a growing need to re
December 23 The Completion of Christian Faith "It is finished!" - So shall I be able to exclaim with joy and thankfulness after my Jesus, if
December 24 The Blessings of the Savior's Arrival With immense joy and devout gratitude, I reflect today on the priceless blessings the worl
December 25 The Birth of Christ Oh! What a joyful night it was when you, Immanuel, were born! I think of it with the deepest joy on the morn
December 26 The Mystery of Redemption Let my soul fully contemplate, in this hour of morning meditation, the sacred mystery that the birth o
December 27 The Merits of Jesus In you lies all comfort, compassionate Jesus, who, from your place of joy, came into this world filled with
December 28 The Bitterness of Life, and the Frailty of Human Nature, Overcome by Christ If, among the countless days of the world, a day and
December 29 Life to be Devoted to Providing for Eternity I admire, O God, the wise and kind provisions which you have made for the life of h
December 30 The Heart called to its Account for Time I now stand at the very edge of a year, looking back like a traveler from a reached pea
December 31 Thanks for the Blessings Received During the Past Year Only this day remains, and then, through your mercy, O Lord and Father of
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MORNING COMMUNINGS WITH GOD OR DEVOTIONAL MEDITATIONS FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR BY CHRISTOPHER CHRISTIAN STUR, AUTHOR OF "Reflections on the