First Steps – September 2, 2019

My morning commute to work is always a time of prayerful reflection. It takes me a good twenty minutes or longer depending on traffic. It is best served in silence. No talking, no sound, just silence. Many days I will think on a word or two and ask God to speak to me around those themes. When I’m really on my game, I don’t wait until I’m driving to have twenty or thirty minutes of silence. By carving out time without driving, I limit the distractions. The days that start this way seem to be better than the days that start differently.  I’m more relaxed and more ready for the day ahead.

How do you begin your day? Consider starting each day in silence or at least giving a decent amount of uninterrupted time for prayerful reflection. If this is new to you, try this:

1.  Remove all sounds (no radio, TV, or phone, etc.)

2.  Be as still as possible.  Focus on your breathing. (5 minutes)

3. Focus your thoughts on something like Promises of God or the Presence of God. (10 minutes)

4. Listen to the sounds around you.  There will be some sounds although you have tried to remove them. (5 minutes)

5. Pray a prayer of Gratitude for what God has given you. (3 minutes)

   


This week’s reading:

  • Monday –  Acts 7
  • Tuesday – Acts 8
  • Wednesday – Acts 9
  • Thursday – Acts 10
  • Friday – Acts 11

Please Pray for:

  • Traveling mercies for all those on the road this Labor Day holiday.
  • The St. Paul Church family as we gear up for fall activities & studies.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.