Our relationship with God is the most important in our lives. We can connect with God at any time of the day or night, but for some people, morning is the best time. New to Christianity or daily faithful? If you’re an early riser, try these morning routine ideas.
The importance of a morning routine
Having a morning Bible reading routine is essential. Morning is the time when our day is fresh and full of possibilities. For some people, morning is the best time of the day. This is a great time to sit down, be quiet with God, study His word, and listen carefully with our hearts to what He is saying to us.
Choosing the Right Time for Devotion
Choosing the right time for devotion can be difficult in our busy world. People work different hours, so not everyone can work in the morning devotions. Some may need to do them in the afternoon, evening, or late at night, and that’s okay.
For those of you who are morning people, you don’t always have to do your devotions early in the morning. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, it might be best to do them after your kids and spouse leave for work and school. Do you work at home, mom? Doing devotions at lunchtime may be more effective for you. Others who have a few hours before work may need to do a few things before spending time with the Lord.
Even if we focus on the morning devotionsdoing them any time of day is fantastic as long as it works for you.
Create a sacred space
Make sure the space where you have devotions is sacred. Spending time with the Lord in the same place each morning will help calm your mind, quiet your mind, and relax your body because you know what is coming.
Create a quiet space free of distractions. If necessary, listen to soft music in your headphones while reading the word to help you stay focused.
Selection of devotional materials
You must have a Bible that you can understand. Some versions of the Bible, like the King James Version, are difficult to understand. Choose a Bible that is easy to read. I have chicken soup for the Soul New Living Translation Bible and I love it.
It may even be helpful to purchase a devotional to keep you on track. The Bible is a huge book, and it can be difficult to know where to start. A 30, 60, 90 or 120 day devotional will guide you in what to study and how to apply it.
Integrate prayer into your routine
Before you even get out of bed, spend time in prayer. Thank God for waking you up and ask Him to be with you throughout your day. After your devotions, end with prayer asking Him to watch over you and ask Him to guide and bless you throughout your day. Take all your meetings, important calls, errands, and whatever else you need to do, and ask Him to come before you during your day.
Meditation and reflection
As you read the word, think about it and meditate on it. Think about what God says and how you can apply these lessons to yourself (be more loving, more gracious, kinder, etc.) or apply what you read to your life. Keep these things in mind and continue to think about them throughout the day.
Define a central scripture
Set a central scripture for the week or month. It could be a scripture that encourages you, teaches you a lesson, or applies to your season. It may even be a scripture you read that catches your attention. Either way, choose a scripture and meditate on it for the week or month.
Balancing Silence and Worship
Spend part of your morning worship time singing or listening to your favorite worship music. Once you’re done, sit quietly for 10 to 15 minutes in His presence, allowing Him to speak to your heart.
Establish Consistency and Commitment
With our busy schedules, it can be difficult to establish consistency and commitment. Fortunately, we live in a world where this is not required. Having a devotional or listening to a podcast with a Bible reading plan helps me stay on track. I listen to the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle, and each morning I receive the day’s Bible reading in my inbox. This is huge in helping me stay on track. I read every morning, then listen to the podcast later in the day.
Speaking of consistency, if you can’t read the Bible every morning, listen to a Christian podcast or Christian audiobook. This way you continue to say the word every morning, but in a different way.
Adjust your routine according to your needs
Your morning with God doesn’t need to be set in stone. Some mornings will be busier than others, and that’s okay. It might be better for you to spend your devotional time later in the morning, perhaps even at lunchtime, later in the evening or at night. As long as you stay consistent, that’s the most important thing.
Here are some other tips for establishing your morning routine with God:
– Keep a gratitude journal and write down 3-5 things you are grateful for each morning. This will help you focus on God’s blessings in your life.
-Memorize scriptures and choose a new verse each week. Look in the mirror and recite it every morning to keep God at the forefront of your mind every day.
-Read a Psalm to help you connect with God through worship and thanksgiving.
-Write a letter to God and pour out your heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and concerns.
-Take time to pray for others in your family, friends, circle of influence, and other people in your life, such as your boss, coworkers, and community.
Recite a morning affirmation and continue to recite it throughout the day. For example: “With God I can do anything” or “God loves me”.
-Listen to a sermon from one of your favorite pastors or spiritual figures to start your day with spiritual insight and encouragement.
-Think about creation. As you sit on your porch or porch or walk your dog, take time to look around you at God’s creation. Thank Him for the trees that help us breathe, the flowers in your neighbor’s yard, and the fun creatures like birds, rabbits, and squirrels that cross your path.
-Make a list of “people to trust.” Write down your concerns, give them to the Lord, and trust Him to handle what is beyond your control.
End your time by thanking Him for His love, grace, and mercy, and allowing yourself to live another day for Him.
Spending time with God first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day. Take the time to decide how you will set up, revamp, or improve your morning routine to get closer to Him.
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/pamela_d_mcadams
