Day FIVE:
Here's the Lord's invitation to you before you start...
Get away with me: Go somewhere you can get away from distractions & it’s easy to think. If you aren't planning to play worship music in the background, consider putting your phone away. If you are playing music, consider placing your phone face down.
Undivided Attention: Ask the Lord to remove all the noise & distractions in your mind. Some days are harder to set it all down, so try praying over your heart and mind something like this,
"There's enough time for the day and the tasks ahead, even if it doesn't feel like it. I lay it all down and I call my heart and mind to attention in the Lord's presence. Jesus, you have my full attention. If distraction comes, help me to remain uninvolved with anything that may interrupt this one on one time we've set aside for just us."
Journal Prompt: Write a response to the daily prompt.
Tell the Lord about a memory from childhood you're grateful for. If you're not sure how to start, try writing it like a letter.
Lord, a memory from childhood I'm grateful for is...
Listen: Take time to listen for the Lord's response to what you shared with him. Maybe you hear him speaking to your spirit. Maybe he brings a scripture to mind. Perhaps it's just silence. If you aren't sure but you think you hear him, write it down. Then pray, "Lord if any of this was not from you let it fall away". If you're not sure you're hearing anything after a minute or two, don't stress over it and move on.
Worship: Take a few minutes to meditate on the scripture and write it down. Note if there is a command, promise or wisdom in the verse.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Closing Prayer: Lord, thank you that you created the brain in such a way that the space where concern and anxiety grow, so does peace and joy, but they cannot coexist and we get to choose. When I feel your spirit leading me towards peace and joy, I want to let it rule in my heart. Grow me this year to choose joy, to let peace rule in my heart, and as a result, overflow with thankfulness. You knew days would come that were difficult and I see how you have equipped me by your Spirit to have all I need. It begins with choosing you each day.
See you tomorrow for day six!