7 Simple Ways to Start the Day Focused on God

It’s easy to wake up in the morning, quickly think about the plans for the day, and fail to turn our attention to God. I don’t argue that believers MUST begin their day with an extensive quiet time (my strongest time with the Lord is often later at night)—but I do think we must intentionally turn our focus to God soon after we awaken. Here are some simple ways to do that this week:

1. Subscribe to a “Verse of the Day” program, and have the verse sent to you during the night. That way, you will have a Bible verse in front of you as soon as you awaken in the morning. I, perhaps like you, turn quickly to my phone in the morning—and the text is already awaiting me there. 
2. Read a brief devotional book entry each morning. I’m currently using Max Lucado’s You Can Count on God: 365 Devotions this year. The entries are short, clear, and encouraging. You can also do this via electronically subscribing to some devotion (including the one I write every day)—and just five minutes considering the Word will change the way your day starts.
3. Pray through the day’s events while you’re showering or eating breakfast. Multi-task early in the day, turning your attention to asking God’s guidance and wisdom for the day. I review my calendar the night before so I know what’s coming the next day, and I pray then each morning with anticipation for the day. 
4. Listen once to a favorite hymn or praise chorus. I know those songs that lift my heart no matter what I might face in the day—and listening to/singing those songs just does something to my heart. I usually do this while walking or running early in the morning. 
5. Quickly send a prayer email to someone before the day gets going. It takes only a few minutes, and it focuses your heart on God and others—and the person who receives an unexpected prayer from you will be encouraged and strengthened. 
6. Work on scripture memorization over breakfast. Our church is memorizing verses together throughout 2023, and a quick review of this week’s text in the morning automatically directs me to the Word. Just read the verse multiple times, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to memorize over the course of a week. 
7. Once a week, fast from breakfast and pray. If you’re like I am, you eat quickly in the morning—so this “fast” need not be long. Nevertheless, a short focus on God through prayer can be incredibly encouraging to start the day. 

What will you do tomorrow morning?