Intentional Mornings: 8 Steps To Closeness With God

My daily morning routine with Jesus is my favorite part of every day! I'd like to say I have some form of structure, but I don't really. Jesus leads my quiet times and I just follow, However, I have found some things I like doing and make it best for me. Maybe these tips will help you find what works for you and motivate you to sit at the table Jesus has willingly prepared for you!

1. Limit Screen Time

I've found that for me, having my phone away keeps my totally focused so I get the most out of my time with Jesus. I have a screen time limit set until 6:00 when my quiet times usually finishes!

2. Reading Plan

Following a reading plan keeps me excited and eager to read books of the Bible. Personally, for your first time I recommend starting with the Gospels or Proverbs. There are many plans you can find on the Internet or an app for free to use.

3. Prayer

Prayer keeps me focused and prepares my heart to receive what God has prepared for me in the time I'll be spending with Him. I pray for understanding of what I'll be reading and that I'll learn what God has intended for me to. In this time I also bring any request or concerns I have to God.

"And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him." -1 John 5:15

4. Application

Application is huge for me. After reading scripture, love finding real life ways to apply the scripture to my life and ways to strengthen myself. I try to find willingness to go where Gods called me after reading. I prefer to journal any of these thoughts afterwards.

5. Commentary and Context

Using a commentary is huge for me. Without a commentary it's easy to use improper context. Commentaries help you gain insight, clear up anything you don't understanding, and help you see it from a new perspective. However, always make sure any commentary you use matches up with the Bible. I use David Guziks, from Blue Letter Bible.

6. Worship

I play worship music during my quiet time. Its such a great way to prepare my heart for the day. I listen to a lot of Hillsong and Elevation Worship. My favorite playlist are my Colossians 3:15 Playlist and the Matthew 11:28 Playlist, from Lindsay Fuce.

7. Ask

After I've read the scripture and gained an understanding of it, I love asking questions about the scripture. I try to ask hard questions about the scripture, questions I likely won't ever get the answers to. I also like to ask some about the application of the message to my life. Things such as:

-Why is this important in my life?

-How well do I share this message to those around me?

-What does this teach me about my life and position?

8. Read a Book or Write

After reading the Bible, I love reading Christian books or write. It's in this time I write all my blog post. This gives me about an hour to write and the other time is spend reading. Some of my favorite books I've read are:

-A Praying Life, Paul Miller

-Love Does, Bob Goff

-Mercy Like Morning, Jane Johnson

-Live Fearless, Sadie Robertson

Knowing God means studying and knowing His word. I don't think our time with Him should be spent to "Check it off a to-do list" but as a time to truly be intentional.

Spending a slower morning is essential for me. Although I'm very busy, I choose to make time because of how important this time with Jesus is to me and I pray you'll begin to see its importance and prioritize it also.

About the author: Mckenzie Louise

Mckenzie is the founder of Shiningforthelord and uses her passion to write as an outlet to encourage young women, in various seasons of life, to pursue a relationship with Christ through forsaking all things of this world, in a relentless pursuit to know their creator on a deeper level.