If you are like most people, your life is go, go, go from the moment your feet hit the floor. How much time do you dedicate to spending it with God or to honor Him? I would love to share some of the ways I fit in time for prayer, Bible reading, devotions, and more. It can seem like a lot, but I think it all comes down to how and when we are able to fit these things into our lives.
First of all, I want to say that I set aside time each morning for reading my Bible and prayer time and it’s not a sacrifice because I really enjoy it. It’s a habit I formed many years ago. While I recommend starting your day this way, this article is about finding time to honor God throughout the day. You can even include your horse.
Prayer
Prayer is really important because if you look at the gospels many times, Jesus drew away from people to be alone to pray. If the Son of God needed prayer time, then I’m pretty sure I need to make time as well.
You can stay in a constant mindfulness of prayer, though. It is one of the easiest things to do. For example, I see someone struggling. I immediately say a prayer for them right then and there. Or If I tell someone I will pray for them, I’ve made a habit to pray right then so I don’t forget. It takes only moments to lift someone up to the Lord. In my busy life, I don’t want to forget that I said I would pray for them.
Another way is when you’re alone, you can talk to God and tell Him your heart. This can happen when you’re brushing your horse or riding. Really, there’s nowhere you can’t pray.
Devotionals
Here is another easy way to fit in some time with God. There is literally a plethora of resources for devotionals, but one really easy way is to have it on your phone. When you have a few moments of downtime, get out your phone and read a devotional. The YouVersion Bible app is great because you can find some topic based devotionals and even partner with a friend to do them with. Or you can find a ministry you really enjoy and follow along with their daily devotions.
Live Out the Gospel
Make it a point to live according to Jesus’ teachings. Loving your neighbor, forgiving others, giving of your time and resources, and doing good to others, expecting nothing in return. When you actively choose these things, you are giving up something of yourself and it’s a perfect way to glorify God with your time. If you live out your faith, then that can speak volumes to others and you not even realize it. For example: You can pay tithe to the church, be a blessing to someone by providing a service at no charge, chose to forgive when someone wrongs you. None of these are easy and require a certain amount of sacrifice, but the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice.
Bible Reading
It’s impossible to live a Christian lifestyle without reading the Bible. The Word of God is the primary way He speaks to His children. If you set aside 15 minutes, you can read a chapter or two a day. Sometimes it’s more of the quality than the quantity I get from my Bible reading. I may not read through my Bible every year, but I read it daily. There is no wrong or right way. As long as you are gleaning from the message regularly.
Try to memorize passages as well. That way, they are hidden in your heart when they are most needed.
Podcasts/Radio
If you have time in the car or walking, then you can download a podcast and listen to sermons. They are usually under 30 minutes. Perfect for on your way to work or getting ready. Bott radio is another option for listening to God’s word being taught.
Worship Music
Sometimes when I’m having a hard day, I will listen to some worship music and it can dramatically shift my focus away from my troubles and onto to God’s faithfulness. Something happens in our brains when we lift up praise and have an attitude of thankfulness instead of negative thoughts that focus on problems. We are human and can’t see the entire picture. God’s ways and plans are so far above us.
Praise, worship, and give thanks. It can change your whole day!
Reach out
Relationships are important and I think we can be more Christlike by checking in on friends and family. It only takes a moment to send a text letting someone you know you are thinking of them or asking how their day was. Relationships are like fires. Make sure you don’t let the blaze go out. They need to be stoked every once in a while.
I hope this has helped inspire you in finding time for God on a daily basis. It doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, if we are sensitive and open enough, God will show us how we can be useful for His kingdom. It’s easy to get in a mindset of ourselves and getting our own work done, but don’t forget to look for ways to serve God in the midst of it all- our crazy beautiful lives.
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Sarah says
So practical, so needed in our day and age! Love this Rachel.
Marcia says
Enjoyed this 🙌
Rachel says
So glad!