With fall soon approaching, I’ve been thinking about my daily / weekly rhythms (I shared these in my last post) and how they contribute to my overall health and well-being. Today I thought I would talk a little more in-depth on one of my morning rhythms, specifically my “quiet time with God,” as this is something we often hear people say they do, but may struggle to get into the routine of ourselves. I’ve often been asked what my morning time with the Lord looks like, and I’m always curious to hear and learn from others what their time is like, so let’s have the conversation!
First things first, C O F F E E. When I open my eyes and put my feet on the floor, the first thing I do is go to my Keurig and get a cup of coffee brewing. (I’m currently loving Donut Shop’s Nutty Caramel and Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce blends.) While I can appreciate a bit of caffeine in the morning, it’s more the smell, taste, and having something warm in my hand that gives me comfort and a spark of joy to start my day well. If you’re not a coffee drinker, no worries! Brew a cup of tea (one of my friends loves chai tea lattes), have a big glass of ice water, blend a smoothie, or have a soda (Diet Coke tends to be what I hear folks say they love the most). Of course, you can do none of these things too, but I recommend having a little treat to wake up to each day!
Secondly, I go to my big comfy chair with my feather pillow and oversized fluffy blanket. I curl up and sink into the cushions and warmth and take in the new day. It’s a grounding and centering of sorts, a time to just be still and ask God to be present with me.
Next I get my bible (I’ve been using the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible for the past year), journal (Target has some great ones if you’re in the market), and my favorite pen. I usually have a devotional or bible study with a day-by-day plan I’m working through, or I may be reading on a specific theme or topic the Lord is speaking to me, or I may be reading a book and going through it chapter by chapter and looking at verses that correspond to what I’m learning. The point is that I like to first go to God in His Word before I come to Him with my prayers and petitions. Spending time in His truth first gives me the perspective I need to focus on what matters most, and allows what’s not important to fade away.
Then I begin to journal – writing out the verses that speak to me, quotes from the devotional / bible study that stand out to me, followed by my praises and prayers. I love to document the things God is working out in my life – the answers to prayers in my and others’ lives – and I have found that keeping a list of prayer requests holds me accountable to praying over particular situations or specific people (I never want to say I’ll pray about something and then not do it). For some of you, writing isn’t your thing, and that’s totally fine. Some people type things out on their computer, tablet, or phone. Some simply put names, words, or phrases on sticky notes and keep them in places they’ll see to remind them to pray about it throughout their day. The ways we connect with God aren’t the important thing. What is important is that we are indeed connecting with Him, having conversations with Him and inviting Him into our everyday activities, celebrations, concerns, and needs. Whatever you do to do that is great!
This whole process takes, at most, up to an hour everyday. I am early riser by nature, so it’s easy for me to get up before the hubby wakes and have this quiet time to myself. For some of you, with more people living under your roof or a different schedule that doesn’t allow for mornings, lunch-time or evenings may be best. I prefer mornings and mornings work best for me, but not everyone is a morning person. The great thing is that all of us have access to God all day, every day. You can spend time with Him any time and He will be there to meet with you and listen to you and provide you with what you need. What a good and great God we serve!
On days where I have more time, I may incorporate bible journaling, handlettering, or working through my PowerSheets into my routine, but what I’ve outlined above are the primary components of my alone time with God.
I’d love to hear how and when you connect with God! I think there’s so many great things we can learn from each other when we talk about our rhythms and the things that keep us most connected to Him in our everyday lives.
Blessings to you all on this Wednesday, friends!