I’ll be honest – I’m faithful to read and pray each day, but I don’t have a set time to accomplish these tasks. That doesn’t mean, though, that I don’t think about how I start the day. Maybe these suggestions will help you.
- Review the day the night before, and pray through your schedule. I look at my calendar each night so I have some sense of what tomorrow will bring. Praying over each event that night helps prepare my mind for a good day tomorrow.
- Pray as soon as you awaken. Your prayer may sound different, but here’s mine: “Lord, thank You for this day. Use me for Your glory, and deliver me from the evil one this day.” The latter part of that petition helps me start the day with a focus on holiness.
- Get up immediately after you pray. Frankly, just lying in bed is a waste of time for most and an invitation to sin for others. Get up, and start the day the Lord has given you.
- Get a daily scripture via email. I have one sent to me long before I get up. That way, I see the Word of God as soon as I pick up my phone and run to my email each morning (which I do far too quickly). I start the day with the Word even though my deeper study time takes place later.
- Pray systematically for others. To be honest, I use my shower time for intercession to pray for my wife and the guys I mentor. I want them to have a good day in the Lord, too.
- Turn on some Christian music as you get ready for the day. Even one song can turn your mind toward the things of God. Shower time is also a good time for this task.
- Eat some breakfast. I’m not good at this, but I’ve learned that even a small bite is good for you. Take care of the body God has given you.
- Take a few minutes to pray with your spouse and children. The prayer might be short (and some of your family members might still be half asleep as you pray), but you need to set that pattern.
- Each morning, thank God for something. We have so much to be thankful for, but we take so much for granted, too. Every morning, thank God for something different.
- Pray for your community as you drive to work. Look at your community with the eyes of God, and pray for people you pass as you drive. You might even try “drive-by” praying I’ve described in another post.
What do you do to start the day well for God? Let us hear what works for you.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at chucklawless.com.
MDiv Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
The Preaching and Pastoral Ministry track prepares students for pastoral ministry in the local church with a special emphasis on expository preaching.
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