Creating a Simple Spiritual Routine

My simple routine.

This simple spiritual routine is my solution to a desire for quality time in prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth. It was SUPER difficult for me to do this while I was teaching due to my work schedule, and that I let life get in the way of my priorities! As a goal for the next ninety days, I am making this a regular part of my day.

Actually, I can’t take credit for the idea or structure of this simple, spiritual routine either. Emily P. Freeman in her book, The Next Right Thing lays out an easy format to follow. She was the one who named the different parts of it and brought it to life for me. I am passing it on to you with a few tweaks of my own.

It’s your day.

Furthermore, I want to say this doesn’t have to be done in the morning. You can use this simple spiritual routine at any time of the day. That being said, I try to keep a set time to complete this practice, but that doesn’t always work out. What I’m saying is, be flexible with yourself.

The practice I follow.

The actions I follow have quickly become a habit. It is loosely organized, and has a start and an ending. It meets all the goals that I mentioned earlier, and I want to make sure you know that there are lots of options to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Note: This time you’ve set aside can be as long or short as you’d like. I think mine tend to vary with the busyness of the day. Make it yours.

I start out with a short prayer.

A short prayer helps me focus my thoughts on God. In her book, The Next Right Thing , Emily talks about the idea of using borrowed prayers. I like this idea a lot. There are so many good prayers that other people have written that can be used. Also, then I don’t get stuck trying to think of what to say, and my mind doesn’t wander from the very beginning of this process. I know that I am prone to scattered thoughts, especially at the beginning, so I’m currently using the prayer Emily uses in her book.

“O God, gather me now

to be with you

as you are with me.”

by Ted Lodes

Simple and concise. It doesn’t need to be flowery or wordy. Just a way to calm my mind and soul so I can get still before God. I am currently creating a document that has some “borrowed prayers” that might come in handy as we progress in our journey. I will be sure to link it here as soon as it’s finished and put it in my resources for future use! Of course, you could use your own prayer!

Scripture reading from the Bible

The next step is to read a passage from the Bible. I think this can be tailored to your own needs. There are several ways to do this.

Some options might be to use a ‘Read through the Bible’ plan, or daily devotional (see below), or even a Bible App on your phone will provide daily scripture readings.

Some days I spend more time on this than others. I also like to take this time to jot a few thoughts down in my journal that are particularly meaningful to me. Maybe a verse or two that I want to remember during the day. You need to find a system that you find valuable and sustainable.

Spiritual growth book

After I’ve finished reading my Bible, then I read a chapter (maybe around 15 minutes) in a spiritual development book. As I’m reading, I generally take notes in the margin or underline ideas I want to remember for later. However, they don’t need to correlate. It’s just really nice when it does. I’ve noticed that God may bring an idea, thought, scripture, action, or concept that I read weeks before. So don’t try to make the process “perfect.” Currently I am reading, The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman.

Here are a few other titles to consider for spiritual development.

Journaling for 1-2 pages.

Don’t be alarmed! You may have lots to write about on some days, and only a word or two the next. You’d be surprised what comes out as you start putting your thoughts down on paper! A lot of times I will summarize my thoughts or take-aways from my reading. Perhaps make a connection to another book or verse I’ve read. Also, if I’m struggling with an issue, have questions, need to vent or cry out to God, I’ll do that in my journal.

Closing prayer and quiet listening

I close with a prayer wrapping up my time with God. A lot of times I sit quietly for a few minutes before I say “amen” just giving myself time to reflect and listen to what God might be saying to me. This has been one of the most precious parts of this entire simple spiritual routine! Sitting in the presence of God is a true privilege.

Note: This practice doesn’t need to be time-consuming. It can be as brief as 15-20 minutes. Perhaps you don’t get to journal or read your spiritual growth book one day, that’s ok. Simply incorporate them again the next time. I feel the most important part of this process is making room for God in my life. Getting to a quiet place in my life where I can hear him speaking to me.

Hopefully, you have found some of this to be helpful. Use what you deem important and then make the rest of your own. I’d love to hear your feedback. What are you’re favorite scriptures, spiritual books you’re reading, or borrowed prayers you love? Please share those in the comments below!

Have an amazing day, friends!

Cindyh