Everyday habits to walk with God, even in the busiest seasons
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve mapped out the “perfect” prayer plan, only to leave it unfinished. I’d stick with it for a few weeks or months. But eventually life would interrupt, the momentum would fade, and I’d be left sulking.
Why couldn’t I stay consistent in the most important part of my life: my time with God?
Again and again, I’d berate myself, pull out a shiny new notebook, and draft another grand plan, only to be derailed once more. Until I came across these words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven…
Time with God: Not another to-do
That changed everything. I realized why I was struggling: I was approaching time with God like an activity to master. But this wasn’t an activity! It was a relationship. And like every other relationship, it has to be nurtured with real conversation and time together.
So I began to think about the simple rhythms I enjoy with the people I love. Like starting and ending the day together, staying connected even when we’re busy, and showing my love through my actions. And I began to do those same things with the God I love.
From that shift, five habits sprung up naturally. These aren’t items on my to-do list; they’ve simply become part of my day and have drawn me closer to Him. My hope is that they inspire you to discover your own ways of growing with God each day.
The first hello
Not my husband. Not my children. And definitely not my phone.
The very first “hello” of my day is reserved for Him. Before my feet hit the floor, I whisper a simple prayer: “Thanks Lord, for that restful night and this new day. Come be with me and stay with me in all it brings.” Sometimes, I pray the traditional Morning Offering, lifting everything the day will bring into His hands.
It takes me barely a minute, but this simple turning of my heart towards Him shifts the way I approach my whole day. And it reminds me to put Him first in all I do.
Resting in His Word
School mornings don’t let me get into His Word early on. So after the school bus leaves and I’ve had my chai and breakfast, I turn to His Word.
Some days, I simply open my Bible and read. Most often, I like using my Bible app (YouVersion). It lets me search, highlight, and switch between Bible versions.
My favorite way to read Scripture is through Lectio Divina. I take in a few verses, let them linger, and listen to what God may be saying to me.
There are seasons in which I’m able to journal as I read; what a gift that is! But most often, I simply reflect on a few verses. Even a single verse, held close to my heart, lets me refocus on the Lord. It is, after all, His love letter to me.
Loving, serving, repeating
To walk with Him, I have to walk like Him.
Even when it’s hard. Even when I’d rather not. In the kitchen, at the study table, on the phone, in my words, in ministry, wherever I am, I try to love and serve.
The truth is, this is never easy for me. And I think that’s what helps me stay close to Him. Because I cannot do this in my own strength. I have to lean on Him to love and serve, on repeat.
Staying connected
Anyone who knows me will tell you I can talk all day.
So that’s what I do with the Lord. I bring everything to Him: the worries and the joys of the day, my children’s studies, their hearts, my marriage, my ministry, our parents. Nothing is too small or too big.
When I’m cooking or cleaning, I sing my favorite hymns. When I’m sulking, I complain to Him. These moments help me live out St. Paul’s call to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in everything.
As I’ve begun to live this way, I sense His presence more and more, simply walking with me right in the middle of my everyday.
Good night, Lord!
As the day winds down and the house grows quiet, I turn once more to Him. Before dozing off, I thank Him, ask forgiveness as needed, and hand everything over to His care. Especially on nights before long, tiring days, this little good night chat brings me peace. Instead of lying awake thinking about tomorrow’s to-dos, I drift off to sleep without a care.
A daily walk
These little habits aren’t rules or rigid plans. They flow naturally as I move through my day, keeping me under His wings all through. Even on days that speed by quickly, I feel His presence.
This way, prayer and my walk with Him are no longer things I add on to my day. They are a natural part of it.
How do you walk with Him? If you’re still figuring that out, start small. Whisper a “good morning” even before sitting up in bed. Hum your favorite hymn as you work. However you choose to begin, begin.
Because there really is an unshakeable joy in walking through an ordinary day with the God who loves you.
In faith,
