“Settle down.” Or, “Just chill.” Has anyone said this to you before?
This morning I had to tell MYSELF to settle down. My brain was going 50 different directions.
Once my thoughts take off, it’s hard to bring them back to the starting line. Sometimes deep breathing and lighting a candle helps focus my attention.
When we are intentional to set aside time, preferably in the morning, it keeps us on track and better grounded for the remainder of the day.
In order to live a purposeful life, we must first quiet ourselves before the One who gives us purpose.
My friend, @ammiebouwman.truth talks about putting on her “Jesus Suit”, the full armor of God, along with prayer. We need to start our days in defense mode so we don’t get devoured by prowling lions!
Praying can look different from one person to the next. It’s a personal choice about how to connect with God. Here’s a go-to for prayer I sometimes use with the acronym ACTS.
A. Acknowledge: Praise and worship God for who He is. List His character traits—who He is.
C. Confession: Confess sins of omission and commission and ask for forgiveness.
T. Thanksgiving: Express gratefulness and name ways God has blessed you with relationships and physical provision.
S. Supplication: Pray from God’s perspective for the world, your nation, your people, and your circumstances. Present your needs before Him and pray specifically.
Establishing this form of prayer enables us to keep from simply stating all our wants every time we choose to pray. Remember Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka? (“I want a pony and I want it right now!”)
If you’ve been waking up each morning and hit the floor running, racing to the finish line, could I encourage you to go to bed earlier, get up a little earlier, and be intentional to start your day with the right mindset.
Now, “Just chill.” And don’t forget to pray!