I find when I want to spend time with the Lord, it is helpful to have a few tools on hand. This enables me to stay in a focused mindset and cuts down on the distraction of hopping up for this or that. I've been using this technique for years now, and it has proven consistently beneficial to me.
*Begin with a container you like.
I have a sturdy basket with handles so I can carry it to any location where I want to spend time in spiritual contemplation. Tip: Avoid baskets made from cloth or breakable weave. Avoid baskets with mobile handles. Yep. Learned the hard way on this.
*Put in the spiritual study tools you actually use.
My basics are my Bible, my journal, and a folder with prayer lists. Because I find I often want to pray scriptures, I have included a book containing scriptures by prayer topic.
In addition, I have a small devotion book that sometimes helps me get "cranked up" for God time when my mind is foggy.
My basket also contains the tools I use during our family devotion because I tend to flow from one devotion time to another. If I start my day late, I begin with family devotion time. If I get up earlier than the kids, I spend solo time with God first then shift to family devotion when the kids get up. Currently, our family devotion consists of reading a Bible passage and sharing our thoughts on it. I like to record those, so the tool I have in my basket is the journal in which I jot down some of those morning devotion comments.
*I'm a cry-er, so many times when I pray, tears are part of the equation. Therefore, I keep tissue in my basket.
*Begin with a container you like.
I have a sturdy basket with handles so I can carry it to any location where I want to spend time in spiritual contemplation. Tip: Avoid baskets made from cloth or breakable weave. Avoid baskets with mobile handles. Yep. Learned the hard way on this.
*Put in the spiritual study tools you actually use.
My basics are my Bible, my journal, and a folder with prayer lists. Because I find I often want to pray scriptures, I have included a book containing scriptures by prayer topic.
In addition, I have a small devotion book that sometimes helps me get "cranked up" for God time when my mind is foggy.
My basket also contains the tools I use during our family devotion because I tend to flow from one devotion time to another. If I start my day late, I begin with family devotion time. If I get up earlier than the kids, I spend solo time with God first then shift to family devotion when the kids get up. Currently, our family devotion consists of reading a Bible passage and sharing our thoughts on it. I like to record those, so the tool I have in my basket is the journal in which I jot down some of those morning devotion comments.
*I'm a cry-er, so many times when I pray, tears are part of the equation. Therefore, I keep tissue in my basket.
*I also have a little zippered pouch that holds random items I seem to always need when I sit down to read my Bible. A pen for journaling, a pencil to jot in my Bible, lip balm, hand lotion, fingernail file, and my reading glasses. I used to keep a small note pad in my basket, but I have begun a different managing system that uses a notebook to keep my "to do" list, so I grab that notebook when I get my basket. Invariably, everything I need to accomplish pops into my head when I set aside time for God. Keeping the list handy lets me clear my head rather than feeling like I have to rush and accomplish something.
Tip: Do not overcrowd your basket.
If you use a separate "to do" list like I do, keep it near your basket's location.
If you use highlighters, multicolored pens, extra bookmarks, and study tools, include those in your basket. I have Bible apps on my phone that I use for this purpose. I also usually have a cup of coffee or a glass of water (now that I'm cutting down on eating ice), or I'd probably have a bottled water in my basket as well.
Tip: Do not overcrowd your basket.
If you use a separate "to do" list like I do, keep it near your basket's location.
If you use highlighters, multicolored pens, extra bookmarks, and study tools, include those in your basket. I have Bible apps on my phone that I use for this purpose. I also usually have a cup of coffee or a glass of water (now that I'm cutting down on eating ice), or I'd probably have a bottled water in my basket as well.
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