A relationship with God is the most important thing in our lives. We can connect with God at any time of the day or night, but for some the morning is the best time. New to Christianity or a daily believer? If you’re an early riser, try these morning routine ideas.
Importance of morning routine
Having the habit of reading the Bible in the morning is essential. Morning is when our day is fresh and full of possibilities. For some people, morning is the best time of the day. Now is the perfect time to sit and be quiet before God, study His Word, and listen with all our heart to what He has to say to us.
Choose the right time for dedication
In our busy world, it can be difficult to choose the right time for devotion. People work different schedules, so not everyone can do a morning devotion. Some people may have to do it in the afternoon, evening, or late at night, and that’s okay.
If you are a morning person, you don’t necessarily need to do your devotions early in the morning. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, it might be better to do it after your kids and spouse have left for work or school. Mom, are you working at home? It may be more effective to do a devotional during your lunch break. If you have a few hours before you go to work, you may need to get some things done before spending time with the Lord.
We focus on morning devotions, but it’s great to do it at any time of the day as long as it works for you.
Creating a sacred space
Make sure the space you give your devotion to is sacred. Spending time with the Lord in the same place every morning helps to quiet the mind, calm the spirit, and relax the body because you know what is about to happen.
Create a space that is quiet and free of distractions. If you need to, play some quiet music in your earbuds while reading the words to help you stay focused.
Dedicated material selection
You must have a Bible that you can understand. Some versions of the Bible, such as the King James Version, are difficult to understand. Choose a Bible that is easy to read. I have the Chicken Soup for the Soul New Living Translation and love it.
Purchasing a dedication to stay on track may also be helpful. The Bible is a huge book, so it can be hard to know where to start. A 30, 60, 90, or 120 day dedication tells you what to study and how to apply it.
Incorporate prayer into your daily routine
Spend some time in prayer before you get out of bed. Thank God for waking you up and ask Him to be with you throughout the day. After you have completed your devotional prayer, pray to God to watch over you, guide you and bless you throughout the day. Call off meetings, important calls, errands, and anything else you need to do and ask him to go first as you go about your day.
meditation and reflection
As you read the Word, ponder it and meditate on it. Think about what God is saying and how you can apply that lesson to yourself (be more loving, merciful, kind, etc.) or apply what you are reading to your own life. Keep these things in mind and keep thinking about them throughout the day.
Set a scripture focus
Set a scripture focus for that week or month. This could be a scripture that encourages you, teaches you a lesson, or applies to your season. It could also be that the scripture you read caught your attention. In any case, choose a scripture and meditate on it for a week or a month.
Balance silence and worship
Spend your morning worship time singing or listening to your favorite worship music. Once you’ve done that, sit quietly in front of him for 10-15 minutes and let him speak to your heart.
Establishing consistency and commitment
With a busy schedule, consistency and commitment can be difficult to establish. Fortunately, we live in a world where we don’t have to do that. Doing a devotional or listening to a podcast with a Bible reading plan can help you stay on track. I listen to Tricia and Michelle’s Daily Bible Podcast. Get the day’s Bible reading delivered to your inbox every morning. This will really help you stay on track. I read a book every morning and listen to a podcast later in the day.
Speaking of consistency, if you can’t read the Bible every morning, listen to a Christian podcast or a Christian audiobook. This way you get the words each morning, but in a different way.
Adjust your routine as needed
Morning time with God doesn’t have to be set in stone. Some mornings may be busier than others, but that’s okay. It may be better to take your devotional time late in the morning, sometimes during lunch, late 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 a morning routine with God.
-Keep a gratitude journal and write 3-5 things you are grateful for each morning. This will help you focus on God’s blessings in your life.
– Memorize scripture and choose a new scripture each week. Look in the mirror every morning and say these words to keep God at the forefront of your mind every day.
– Reading the Psalms helps you connect with God through worship and gratitude.
– Write a letter to God and vent your heart out about your thoughts, prayers, and concerns.
-Take time to pray for other people in your life, including your family, friends, sphere of influence, and your boss, co-workers, and community.
Recite your morning affirmation and continue to recite it throughout the day. For example, “With God, I can do anything” or “God loves me.”
– Start your day with spiritual insight and encouragement by listening to sermons from your favorite pastors and spiritual luminaries.
– Reflect on your creation. As you sit on your front or back porch, or while walking your dog, take time to look around at God’s creation. Appreciate the trees that clean our air, the flowers in your neighbor’s garden, the birds, rabbits, squirrels, and other delightful creatures that cross your path.
-Create a “Trusted Things” list. Write down your worries, give them to the Lord, and trust that He will take care of the things that are beyond your control.
End your time by thanking him for his love, grace, and mercy and allowing yourself to live one more day for him.
Spending time with God first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day. Take some time to decide how to set up, rearrange, or enhance your morning routine to get closer to him.
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/pamela_d_mcadams
Carrie Laurence is a freelance writer and author. Her work has been featured in Crosswalk, iBelieve, Huffington Post, and The Penny Hoarder. She is also the author of three children’s books, three pretty romance books, one romance novel, three poetry collections, and one nonfiction book. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and cute cat, Cupcake. For more information about Carrie and her writing, please visit www.carrielowrance.com.
