As a part of our new sermon series, Sacred Rhythm, Pastor Stan has been sharing ideas for how we can make changes in our lives to let all of our time be God’s time. Here’s an introduction to what he is calling “Holy Habits.”
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Some have asked me to share the list of small holy habits that I gave at the end of my message on Sunday – August 26. As we move into a new school year, we can be strategically thinking about small acts of grace that will form habits which will change our attitudes and emotions, bringing shalom. The list below contains some small ways you can begin to let God guide you through your days. It is by no means exhaustive. If you have other ideas or habits you are currently practicing which have been fruitful in building sacred rhythm in your life, please share!
- Choose a worship song or hymn to set as your wake-up alarm music – a song that centers you and reminds you of who the day belongs to – so much better than a buzzer!
- Your smartphone can help you develop holy habits. You-Version has hundreds of reading plans. One that fits our series is “Work – Life balance” only nine days and you can invite someone to read with you. www.bible.com is the online version if you prefer working from a tablet or computer.
- Five minutes of uninterrupted prayer to start the morning – before you do anything else. And there are apps for that as well – Abide and Calm are two apps.
- Get a waterproof speaker and listen to worship music in your shower.
- Breath prayers – seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit on your way to work or appointment.
- Listen to Scripture or a sermon on your way to work – plenty of options for what ever device you use.
- Pray and thank God for all your meals – wherever you are.
- Consider a noon time accountability study group at work
- Common Prayer is both a book and an app for your phone. It’s a great tool for building rhythm.
Pray before the kids get on the school bus or get dropped off at school. What a model of discipleship! - Take a walk with friends and discuss your walk with God.
- Close your day with prayer – including time for examen – letting God unfold your day and how God was with you. (broken record – there’s an app for that!)
- Go to bed with your spouse and read your Bible together or another spiritual formation resource. Four blessings – building a sleep rhythm, intimacy with your spouse, growth in faith and studies show that such unwind time before bed helps you get to sleep.
- Use the alarm on your smart phone or fit watch to gently remind you to pray at certain times of the day. The United Methodist Church is calling all Methodists to pray from 2:23 to 2:26 daily for General Conference 2019 – held from February 23 to 26. (see https://umcprays.org)
Remember – it’s not about perfection but orientation that let’s God form you one day at a time. Share below or ask questions . . .
