Saints' Discussion Forums

I would be very grateful for comments about alternative practices for your first prayer of the day.  I'm strongly motivated to rethink my current practice by our ongoing conversations about meditation and Contemplation in other threads, and just beginning my search in prayer books and CCC for recommendations.
I would much like to hear about your practice(s), if you are relatively consistent, how and when you found it, and your level of sense of fulfillment.
It seems likely you'll soon find something here about either my current or perhaps my new practice, but I think it's better to hold off on my comment, so you don't feel you're criticizing mine.  Thanks in advance.
Sharing comments by Church Fathers would also be a big help.

The first morning prayer I learned and began to use is a prayer by St. Macarius the Great:
"Having risen from sleep, I hasten to Thee, O Master Lover of Mankind, and by Thy lovingkindness I strive to do my work and I pray Thee, help me at all times and in everything and deliver me from every worldly, evil thing and every impulse of the devil, and save me, and lead me into Thine eternal kingdom. For Thou art my Creator, and the Giver, and Provider of everything good, and in Thee is all my hope, and unto Thee do I send up glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Hi, thanks for comment. I think this is the first time we've been on-line at the same time.  I wish I could express in person how grateful I am for your many comments.