I have always been fond of routines. Waking up and mulling about in the morning has become a time that I really treasure and cherish. In the last few years, I have felt challenged to consider how to incorporate scripture reading into my daily routine.
This morning, I started a new routine to help read, pray, and journal. My hope is to be consistent in this area and stick to this new schedule. I have used the rhythms in the monastic life to be the framework for how I move through my morning.
I am drawn to how the monastic life was structured around times for prayer, worship, and work. Although I don't see the need to be rigid in my incorporation, I want to have a time for Vigil, Lectio Divina, and prayer.
As I get older, it becomes easier and easier for me to wake up early in the morning. In the last few months, I have really rallied against this nature and tried to sleep in. When I set my alarm to wake me at 5:40 am, I was worried I would wake up groggy. Instead, I woke up 15 minutes before my alarm.
I was quite surprised!
After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I then spent some time putting on lotion and doing the necessary "getting ready" routines that I have already established. These rhythms are very calming to me and help wake me up.
From there, another alarm sounded (a sonata by Mozart) and I started reading my Bible and using the technique of Lectio Divina. This is a Latin word that means "divine reading." The way it works is that you pick a passage of scripture and read it over a few times, from there you pray through it and then sit in silence and meditate on its contents. The goal is to let the scripture, which I believe is a living word, move in your heart and mind. You are meant to make space for the Holy Spirit to speak through the scripture.
Don't worry, it may seem weird, and a little bit like a new age practice. But Lectio Divina has had a rich history in the Christian church across centuries and cultures. It is a practice I hope to grow in.
After 30 minutes, I transitioned to journaling and praying. During this time, I wrote about things that are currently on my mind. When some people journal, they write a letter to God. I have found that I journal more like a first person story. From there it is easier for me to transition to talking to God. Currently, I am in a season of trusting God and choosing to be covered by his goodness and peace. Daily, I am laying down my worries. This does not mean my anxieties have disappeared, but I have a better perspective and they are no longer as overwhelming.
From there, I prayed for the missionaries that I know. This is a combination of family, friends, people in my church, and people from outside my church. It was such a blessing to take dedicated time to pray for them. I love my dear missionary friends and constantly find myself praying on their behalf. For me, this is the greatest gift that I can give. Therefore, I want to be steadfast in my prayers for them. It was a joy to do what my heart really desires.
One last alarm rang to end my morning routine. By that time I had gotten my physical body ready for the day and fed my spiritual body as well.
This process was so rejuvenating that I hope to continue using this routine for the next year. It may seem like I am setting myself up for failure. Instead, I want to take each day that begins this way as a "win." For God does not want our perfection, he wants to see our heart's desire to know and grow close to him.
This is my intention for this new routine. My hope is that you would consider how to incorporate scripture or the Holy Spirit into your morning.
Is there a way you could be intentional with God, even for a few minutes?
Take time to consider, pray, and challenge yourself. God see your efforts and will honor the commitment you make to him.
-Leona
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