Habits. We all have some. Grabbing your first cup of coffee each morning. Looking out your window to take in the morning view, checking the weather, making breakfast, watching the clock to get showered and in the car if you have a regular job to get to on time. 

Habits are good. They keep us on an orderly schedule if followed with discipline. Some habits are not beneficial to us…sleeping in too long which causes stress getting out the door on time. Stopping for a drive through breakfast which decreases finances and increases caloric intake that maybe isn’t the healthiest option if chosen far too often. 

Personally, I no longer have a regular job outside our home that dictates my morning schedule. It’s rare that I need to be “somewhere” most mornings which allows me the luxury of waking when I’m ready, grabbing a mug of coffee that’s already been brewed, and settling in my usual chair with my Bible, notebook, and whichever devotional I’m currently using to take me through scripture. My favorite is the YouVersion app which is downloaded on my phone. 

What about “spiritual habits”?  Lent is a good time to start some good habits. Where to begin? This season is a great time to begin making prayer a daily habit. If you try structuring your life around God but don’t take the time to talk to Him, you will find it difficult to keep your desired focus on God. 

If you’re not sure where or how to begin praying, I suggest praying through the Lord’s Prayer: 

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

These are Jesus’ own words from Matthew 6: 5-15.

Finding time to pray doesn’t not have to be cumbersome. God isn’t looking for that perfect person who is able to devote lengthy minutes or hours in solitude with Him–although there are some devout Christ followers who enjoy that luxury! No, what He truly loves is that we give Him a portion of our day talking with Him. You might do so as you shower…on your commute to work…maybe sitting alone at a table in your lunch room at work or school…going for a walk on your break. Wherever you can carve out intentional time, remember He is with you always as a constant companion, a best friend waiting for a good conversation!

May  you feel encouraged today and always that God is always waiting to draw near to you and nothing you say to Him could ever stop Him from loving you. Nothing–!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4: 6