by Pamela Palmer
Yesterday I presented seven reasons why you should spend early-morning time with God. Today, eight tips for how to get started:
1. Pray about It
Any new practice takes time and is more likely to take root in your life if you don’t overwhelm yourself. So pray about it and see how God is leading you to start your day with Him. Maybe it’ll be small changes at first, and that’s OK. Just starting is the first and most important step to beginning your day in such a blessed way.
2. Make a Plan
When you plan something, it is more likely that it will happen. Plan ahead the night before how you will start your day with God.
Perhaps you will wake up a bit earlier to spend time with God, or plan to have worship music playing while you make breakfast. Whatever it will be for each day, planning ahead is a great tip to make it more likely to start your day with God.
3. Set Your Mind on Jesus
Sometimes, starting a new habit or practice can feel overwhelming. You want to, but perhaps aren’t sure where to start or how to fit it into your already busy life. For some, simply beginning with setting your first thought on God can be a good way to start your day with God. Wake up and simply say hello to the Lord and thank Him for a new day.
Let your mind go to Jesus first as you open your eyes, and this will start impacting and training your heart to start with God.
4. Spend Time in Prayer
As you get ready in the morning, brush your teeth, or make breakfast, you can use this time to talk to Jesus. This is an easy way to start your day with God by being in prayer as you complete these daily tasks. God is already there with you, so start praying and talking to Him as you go about your routine.
5. Read Scripture
In the morning, before you check out what’s happening in the world of social media, you can head over to a Bible app or website to read a chapter instead. Perhaps read one psalm every morning, or a chapter in one of the Gospels. By reading Scripture, you are starting your day with God and letting His word give you peace and perspective.
6. Listen to the Audio Bible
If you prefer listening to the Bible instead, turn on the audio Bible while you get dressed, exercise, or eat breakfast. You can even listen to the audio Bible on your way to work or school, or while you take your morning walk. Listening to Scripture is an easy way to help you start your day with God, and you will be filled with truth and hope.
7. Meditate on a Verse
Oftentimes, a quick way to start your day with God is to sign up for an email list for a verse of the day email. As you start your day, you can check your email and have a verse to think about or memorize for the day. This is a great way to start your day with the Lord and set your mind on Him.
8. Worship
Putting on worship music can be an easy way to start your day with God. Instead of turning on the TV, a podcast, or talk radio, begin with some worship songs on in the background as you begin your day. This will give you moments to praise the Lord and spend time with Him through worship.
We are never alone when it comes to drawing closer to God. God has His arms open to us as the Holy Spirit empowers us to be more like Christ. As you prayerfully discern how to start your day with God, consider these tips to make this happen in your life. It will be a critical way that you can get closer to God and deepen your faith.
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