I think constantly about spiritual routines and am so intrigued by how other’s make time in their daily lives for connecting with God. Below is a bit more about how I spend my day connecting with God. I’d love to feature more posts like this from folks of all walks of faith.
Upon Waking
When I wake up, I use some variation of greeting. Usually, it’s something simple like,
“God, I’m here.”
Just a hello, a Good Morning, and a pledge that His will be done on that day.
Then I go to get ready before the house wakes up. Sometimes, I’ll get ready in silence. Other times, I’ll listen to a podcast, or music. Withdrawing from all forms of stimulation is important to me, but I’ve learned not to be a zealot about it. You can sit in silence all day and be a real jerk, what I try to do instead is find meaningful moments to be quiet with God, but also to engage with him throughout the day.
Prayers
After my workout, I sit and take five deep, long breaths. Then I mentally wrap myself into what God has planned for me that day (or what I know of, at least!). If I’m meeting with someone, I’ll focus on that person; what they might need from me, etc. I also think of my family, and how I can best help them. This isn’t a stressful time, it’s a preparation, like washing your hands.
Devotions
I use “Living the Christian Year” by Bobby Gross after my prayers. Today’s reading was in Acts, focusing on how Paul connected with the Stoics and others in Athens. I enjoy reading about Paul and this timeframe is one of my favorites. What I like about the devotional is it marks readings with the calendar year; though this morning I saw how far we are into summer and it made me a little sad. But then again, fun things always await, yes?
Daily Grind
Once the day starts, I try to find little moments to connect. I used to listen to music when I walk, but now I try to focus instead on the people, nature, etc. around it. It’s made quite a difference in reflections of all kinds. Very calming, as a matter of fact. Again, before any meeting I have with someone I try to spend a few minutes in spiritual preparation. I don’t always make time, but when I do I sense the difference.
Conversations
I have a few friends who I can speak to regularly about faith and religion. One is my spiritual mama, who shares this blog. One I speak to at work every week on Monday. I really love these moments of fellowship, and I tend to schedule them to make sure they are frequent. It’s so important to hear and share what’s going on, and I often find we are struggling with the same things during the same time. There is something to be said for fellowship.
End of Days
Whenever I enter my house, I (try) to drop everything I’m doing, hit the floor and say a prayer of gratitude. I’ll take the five breaths again before attacking what needs to be done around the house. We do the family meal, and my husband usually says grace. I just realized I don’t pray with my baby before she goes to bed, I need to add that! At night I’ll take a bath and use that time for reflection. My night devotional is “Streams of the Desert” which I enjoy. I’ll write a little statement, bullet-journal style, after every day. Then it’s usually the Lord’s Prayer and then bed!
So that’s my routine at the moment. I love switching it up, and being inspired by other folks and their journeys. Please share your routine in the comments!
Love your routine!! I should add a bath to my day. I’m always more relaxed afterwards. I usually start the day in prayer, and pray before meals with my kids. My “daily bread” are the Catholic mass readings (and reflections by Blessed is She), along with reading the Bible before bed (usually something from Psalms). Oftentimes I ask Alexa to say the readings for me while I’m multitasking in the kitchen! On Mondays I have adoration…an hour of silent prayer time with Jesus in the blessed sacrament chapel at church. During this time I pray the rosary and I’ve been reading through an amazing book about Saint Maria Faustina…along with quiet time asking for guidance and intention. I also have prayer alarms on my phone at noon and 3. I at least say “Jesus, I trust in you”! Sometimes more, depending on the day.