Answering Your Questions: What does my daily devotion look like?
Today I’m answering another question that I have been asked often on social media. This is one that I have been hesitant to answer because it’s very personal to me. “What does your daily devotion look like?” This will look different for each of us. I hope something I share today can help you in your daily time with Lord.
My husband is a pastor and when he teaches on prayer the first thing he says is - create a TIME and PLACE. You’ve heard me say it before, but if we don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. This time is the most important thing in my day. So for me I have to make it first thing. I am not going to tell you what time I get up because everyone’s life is so different that I have found we can compare ourselves to someone else one way or the other. If you do not currently have a consistent devotion I encourage you to get up 30 minutes early than you have been. Take this time as your time with the Lord.
Here is what my time looks like:
I start my cup of coffee and gather my things - Bible, journal, pen, highlighter, and book (if I’m using one during my devotion at the time.)
I sit down and read my Bible. I always try to stick to a plan. This can be something on an app or a One Year Bible. I do prefer to read from my actual Bible because the notifications on my phone can be distracting. I am currently using a program where I will read through the entire Bible this year.
If I am using a devotional book I will do that at this time. One that I am currently loving is THIS ONE. Sometimes I have a book that challenges me spiritually and I might read it during this time.
I then take time to pray. I do like to write in my prayer journal during this time too. This helps me stay focused and I like to write down prayer requests and answered prayers.
I do want to quickly share a method I read about years ago that has helped me especially during times of stress:
Today I worship you for….
Today I thank you for…
Today I ask forgiveness for….
I give you my anxious thoughts…. (list them here - all the things that are causing worry and anxiety) …. in exchange for your peace.
I lift up to you…
This simple way writing down the things I am talking to God about has really helped me through some difficult times, espcially the part where I lay down the things that I am carrying at his feet.
No matter if you spend 30 minutes or an hour for your devotion, the consistency is so important. There have been times I feel like God has asked me to get up at a certain time and times I don’t feel that. Consistency is what is important. And if you miss a day or two or even three, start the next day! Don’t allow guilt to keep you from this time!
NOTE: The nightly pickup I do is so important for many reasons. But sitting in a clean room each morning is probably the most important of those. I am not distracted by clutter that needs to be addressed or toys that need to be picked up. I can focus on my time with the Lord.
All of the things we do to minimize our home and create a peaceful atmosphere are so important. But this time of day is the most important to truly having peace in my life and being the wife, mother, coworker, and friend I need to be to enjoy that peace.