Many years ago someone coined the term “Morning Watch” to refer to the practice of spending the first thirty minutes of the day seeking God. While I dislike the idea of legalistically saying, “every ‘real’ Christian keeps the morning watch,” I recommend the practice because spending time with God is an important part of growing in your relationship with Him and doing it first thing in the morning is a great way to orient your entire day towards God’s purposes for you.
There are three main components to the morning watch.
First, take time to focus your thoughts on the Lord. Thank Him for the new day and the joys and challenges that it will bring. Devote yourself to Him and tell Him that you are going to follow Him. Tell Him why you are going to follow Him. Spend time enjoying his presence.
Second, read a portion of the Bible. Ask the Lord to speak to you as you read. It is usually best to read in a systematic fashion, but the goal is not to “finish the Bible in a year” or to “read a chapter a day.” Instead, read until the Holy Spirit begins to show you something in the Word, then stop and listen. What is God saying to you? Is there a promise to claim? A command to obey? An aspect of His character to worship? A sin to confess? Respond to the Lord appropriately.
Third, hold up your concerns for the day to the Lord. Ask him for wisdom and direction as you go about your day. Ask him to provide for your needs. Ask Him to bless friends and family members. Hold up difficult relationships and ask him to help you navigate your way through them.
Finally, thank him again for the wonderful day that he has in store for you, whatever it might bring!
There are three main components to the morning watch.
First, take time to focus your thoughts on the Lord. Thank Him for the new day and the joys and challenges that it will bring. Devote yourself to Him and tell Him that you are going to follow Him. Tell Him why you are going to follow Him. Spend time enjoying his presence.
Second, read a portion of the Bible. Ask the Lord to speak to you as you read. It is usually best to read in a systematic fashion, but the goal is not to “finish the Bible in a year” or to “read a chapter a day.” Instead, read until the Holy Spirit begins to show you something in the Word, then stop and listen. What is God saying to you? Is there a promise to claim? A command to obey? An aspect of His character to worship? A sin to confess? Respond to the Lord appropriately.
Third, hold up your concerns for the day to the Lord. Ask him for wisdom and direction as you go about your day. Ask him to provide for your needs. Ask Him to bless friends and family members. Hold up difficult relationships and ask him to help you navigate your way through them.
Finally, thank him again for the wonderful day that he has in store for you, whatever it might bring!
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