morning routine if you are Struggling to start your mornings with God.
Following my morning walk, I chose to dive into one of my favorite scriptures, Psalm 139. Something from the passage resonated with me and left me feeling convicted and uplifted.
Psalm 139:17-18 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up you are still with me!
What was heartening was the extent of God's love for me, surpassing even the grains of sand. Pause for a moment and envision that! The conviction came when I started thinking, "How much do I think about Him? How many other things occupy my thoughts? How much of my time is devoted to the One who constantly thinks of me every single day."
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to spend with God can seem like an overwhelming task. Yet if we love God, spending time with Him is essential!
SPENDING TIME WITH GOD REQUIRES 3 THINGS.
Being intentional- Firstly, intentionality is crucial. Just as you schedule important meetings or family time, making a conscious decision to set aside moments for prayer and meditating on his word. Begin by designating a specific time each day, whether it's early in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed. Even setting aside just ten minutes can make a significant difference. Use this time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, get quiet and spend time with God.
Prioritization-Life is full of distractions and responsibilities, but recognizing the value of prayer and spending time with God can help elevate it to a top priority. The truth is we need God in order to function in life. Consider what activities in your day can be adjusted or minimized to make room for him. Whether it's limiting screen time, waking up slightly earlier, or combining prayer with another quiet activity like a walk, the goal is to create space for what truly matters to you.
3. Flexibility-Lastly, embrace flexibility. While having a routine is beneficial, it’s also important to be adaptable. Some days may be busier than others, and that's okay. Look for pockets of time throughout your day where you can pause and acknowledge God. Invite him into your meetings, phone calls, step away and have lunch alone and use that time to talk to him. It could be during a commute, in the shower, or even while waiting in line. Remember, talking to God does not have to be lengthy or elaborate to be meaningful. What counts is the intention and sincerity behind it.
Here are a few hacks if you are Struggling to find time for prayer.
1 Hour with God: Start by finding a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be interrupted. Spend 10 minutes on worship and prayer, inviting God to guide your thoughts and open your heart. Dedicate the first 20 minutes to reading and reflecting on scripture, allowing the words to resonate deeply within you. Follow this with 20 minutes of journaling, where you can write down your prayers, thoughts, and any insights you’ve gained. Finally, spend the remaining 10 minutes in silent meditation or contemplation, listening for God's voice and feeling His peace wash over you.
30 Minutes with God:
Even on a busy day, setting aside 30 minutes can be impactful. Begin with a brief prayer to invite His presence. Spend the next 10 minutes reading a passage from the Bible or a devotional, focusing on the message it conveys. Take the next 10 minutes to meditate on what you’ve read, perhaps asking God for clarity or guidance. Conclude your time with 10 minutes of prayer, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and praying for others. This balanced approach can leave you feeling refreshed and spiritually nourished.
15 Minutes with God: When you only have 15 minutes, you can still have a meaningful connection with God. Start with a short prayer to invite His presence. Spend about 5 minutes reading a scripture verse or a devotional thought. Reflect on this for another 5 minutes, considering how it applies to your life and what God might be telling you. Finish with 5 minutes of prayer, focusing on gratitude and any pressing concerns you wish to bring before God. Even this brief encounter can bring a sense of peace and direction to your day.
5 Minutes with God: Even on the busiest of days, a quick five-minute pause can be a powerful way to reconnect with God. Begin with a simple prayer to acknowledge God's presence. Spend 2 minutes reading a short Bible verse or a devotional snippet. Take the next 2 minutes to reflect on the message and how it speaks to your current situation. Conclude with a minute of prayer, thanking God for His constant presence and asking for guidance and strength. This small but significant moment can help you start your day.
No matter how much time you have, dedicating moments to connect with God can bring immense peace, clarity, and joy. Each minute spent in His presence is an opportunity to grow closer and find strength for life's journey.
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