Wouldn't it be wonderful if all my habits were as disciplined as the habits I will share here. They are not. But here are the best of my regular habits; I will not be sharing my bad habits.
When I wake up in the morning, I thank the Lord for the new day. I ask Him to prepare me for what is ahead, I pray for those He brings to mind, and talk to Him about various things that are on my mind.
Likewise, when I crawl into bed at night and get cozy, I thank the Lord for the day, for the people in it. Sometimes He urges me to pray for those He brings to mind. And then I drift peacefully off to sleep.
Twice during the day, once before breakfast and once before dinner, I pray the Shema and the Lord's Prayer. Included in this time I honor Jesus as my King.
Most of you have heard, or even know, the Lord's Prayer. It is a prayer we say in community, like in church or funerals, but is also meant to be prayed daily. You may not know the Shema, so I will write it here: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD is one (or the one LORD). Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (or muchness)." I add: and love your neighbor as Jesus loves you.
Three times a week, I talk and pray with different ladies. One of them, I also teach from the Bible. It is so wonderful to be with each one, at the appointed times. I have learned so much from them. My life is fuller because of them.
Another good habit is meeting with Steve on Saturday mornings. Sometimes we just talk about family news, but he also gives me insight and understanding into the word. As a pastor does, Steve can challenge my thinking. I enjoy those times.
As someone who can be strong-willed and independent (even in my spiritual gifts — yes, it is possible to use your spiritual gifts apart from God), I find I do better in life if I acknowledge that the Lord is God; I am not. I want to become more of a listener to the Spirit rather than take the path I think is good. Don't get me wrong — even though I pray daily, I can still run amok. I am grateful for the Lord's mercies, and His patience with me.
I encourage you to pray the Shema and the Lord's Prayer as well. It will change your heart and perspective on life. In fact, I challenge you to give it a try for a month, and see what the Lord does with your sacrifice of time.
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Steve