My God time looks like…
Intentional.
My day starts off with Intensive prayer and intercession at five in the morning; followed by breakfast with 2-3 prophets in my area with a full shofar quartet following us everywhere we make an altar…
Ok maybe my “God time” doesn't look at all like this, but wouldn't that be sweet? Honest truth is, for the past couple of years I’ve simplified more and more my approach towards my time with God. Fine tuning what time I do have set aside and taking full advantage of it. I’ve come to understand the beauty of being led by the Holy Spirit on how to pray, versus me blabbing on and on with things that are repetitive and superficial. I’ve realized the beauty of not hurrying past a verse only because I need to finish scripture in a year, or because I’m late on my sermon and I preach that night (c’mon we’ve all done it). I’ve learned to pause, and listen to what God has to say. Finally, I’ve learned not to make my time with God so complicated.
I usually start by,
1. Intentional Thank You’s
Besides it being scripturally commanded, a good way to start any time with God is by simply giving thanks. Possibly because of our busy schedules, and all that ministry demands of us, we tend to jump straight into the meal, before setting up the table (figuratively speaking) When I find a quarter on the ground, I say thank you. When my favorite pen is lost and I find it underneath the car seat, I say thank you. When I come home and I remembered an important event my wife expected me to remember, I say THANK YOU (seriously). It might sound a little like overkill, but starting our day with a grateful heart has a way of humbling our heart to the point where we recognize that whatever God has brought before us is needed, received and appreciated. Good or Bad, Thank you goes a long way.
2. Focused Worship
Focusing our attention on God. Telling God how awesome He is in song, action or posture. Worship as a lifestyle, not just an event we perform on Sunday mornings or Youth nights. Our every word, action and behavior either worship and honor God, or it doesn’t. Being nice to that cranky lady at the supermarket is worship. Loving those around you is an act of worship. Loving your spouse is worship. Your very own job, if done as unto the Lord, is a form of worship. It’s a continual knowledge that God is worthy of our every action. Worship is a good way to spend our time with God. You can never go wrong in Worshipping God!
3. Continual Prayer
An intentional time set aside to talk to God. I personally like to do so early in the morning before I start my day. Mostly because I am a morning person & because I get distracted so easily (someone say A.D.D) I like to start off by reading scripture & meditating on what it means and asking God to help me apply that word in my heart that day.
Fact is, God is always listening, speaking and doing something. It’s up to us to catch on to what He is already doing. Spending time with God should never be about check list’s and steps, but intentional recognition of His ever present presence. When we learn to tap into this truth, we can always enjoy the strengthening fellowship of the Holy Spirit and daily leading of His presence.