In a world filled with distractions and busy schedules, finding moments for prayer and devotions can be a challenge. However, starting the day in devotion is a practice that provides a strong foundation for the rest of the day.
After I open the curtains, I start my devotions with prayer asking for God's presence, guidance, and understanding as I dive into His Word.
Then, I spend time in the Word. For me, I love listening to it being read to me and following along in my Bible. This year I'm doing the ESV Through the Bible in a Year and listen to the reading on the podcast every morning. This particular plan goes through a few chapters in Old Testament, a Psalm, and a portion of New Testament each day. Over the course of a year, you’ll read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.
So, I pray again. This time, I pray for my needs, the needs of others, and for wisdom in the day ahead. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation with God, so take time to listen as well.
While darkness surrounds us in various forms, remember that light and darkness cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. Today, I encourage you to invite the light in. Open the Word of God, spend quality time with Him, and may His radiance shine upon you. Observe how this impacts the atmosphere in your home for the better.
Why Start Your Day in Devotion?
Communion with God: Devotions are a time of personal communion with God. It's time to connect with our Creator, express your gratitude, and seek His guidance for the day ahead. As the psalmist says in Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."
Spiritual Nourishment: Just as your body needs nourishment to function, your spirit requires spiritual nourishment. Reading the Bible, praying, and reflecting on scripture during devotions can fill your heart and mind with God's Word, providing wisdom, comfort, and strength for the day.
Centering Your Thoughts: Starting your day with devotion helps you set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). It allows you to align your thoughts, desires, and intentions with God's will, fostering a positive and Christ-centered mindset throughout the day.
Communion with God: Devotions are a time of personal communion with God. It's time to connect with our Creator, express your gratitude, and seek His guidance for the day ahead. As the psalmist says in Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."
Spiritual Nourishment: Just as your body needs nourishment to function, your spirit requires spiritual nourishment. Reading the Bible, praying, and reflecting on scripture during devotions can fill your heart and mind with God's Word, providing wisdom, comfort, and strength for the day.
Centering Your Thoughts: Starting your day with devotion helps you set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). It allows you to align your thoughts, desires, and intentions with God's will, fostering a positive and Christ-centered mindset throughout the day.
My Devotion Routine
Each morning, as I wake up, instead of grabbing my phone to scroll social media, I make it a point to draw back the curtains and welcome the light. In the beginning, God declared, "Let there be Light," and Jesus affirmed, "I am the Light of the World." I like to spend a few minutes in admiration and worship, that He made another day.
With my first born, I woke up when he cried out in the morning and did my devotions with him playing independently after breakfast. As a mom of two, I find this a bit harder as it seems my attention is split between breaking up disagreements, being told, "Mom! Watch this!" and several other distractions. There's nothing wrong with being distracted by the many blessings the Lord has given you during devotions, I find it easier for me to wake up before my kids get up and do devotions.
After I open the curtains, I start my devotions with prayer asking for God's presence, guidance, and understanding as I dive into His Word.
Then, I spend time in the Word. For me, I love listening to it being read to me and following along in my Bible. This year I'm doing the ESV Through the Bible in a Year and listen to the reading on the podcast every morning. This particular plan goes through a few chapters in Old Testament, a Psalm, and a portion of New Testament each day. Over the course of a year, you’ll read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.
As I'm reading, I take time to reflect on what I've read. I pause and highlight different things that I think are significant or feel lead to considering how it applies to my life and what God might be saying through the scripture. Journaling can be an excellent way to record your thoughts and prayers.
So, I pray again. This time, I pray for my needs, the needs of others, and for wisdom in the day ahead. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation with God, so take time to listen as well.
While darkness surrounds us in various forms, remember that light and darkness cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. Today, I encourage you to invite the light in. Open the Word of God, spend quality time with Him, and may His radiance shine upon you. Observe how this impacts the atmosphere in your home for the better.