With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Set a Predictable Routine
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Amen.
(from the hymn, Spirit of the Living God)
Word
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16)
Meditation
Crisis makes chaos of our schedules and causes stress. When you’re out of your routine you become agitated, frustrated, even fearful. Sometimes it’s healthy to break your routines because they become ruts. But in times of stress, routine is a gift.
The church historically has followed liturgies for worship and even for daily Christian living. Order and ceremony are in our heritage. In fact, that’s what you’re doing right now. The Daily Pattern is a routine for prayer and devotion.
Here’s the principle: Predictability creates stability. Routine creates resilience. Structure gives strength. Set healthy routines. What routines do you need to set, or reset? For your relationship with God? For your family? For your work/home life? For your physical health?
Paul wrote: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time.”
Benediction
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)