How do you make beautiful worship times a part of your day? More than that, is it possible to make worship a way of life? Today is Part 2 of last week’s blog post: How to Turn Devotions with God into Beautiful Worship Times. If you missed the last post, you might want to read it first here.
I shared with you last week some ways I use “structured” time for devotions with God, although mine may vary. I didn’t include valuable group or church Bible studies. Some may count those as part of your devotional time, especially if it requires further study or completion through the week. But my emphasis for these posts is first, the devotional time you set apart for you and God alone. And ultimately, how you can create beautiful worship times throughout your day from your devotions with God.
How You Can Turn Prayer and Praise into Beautiful Worship Times
Part of our individual devotions with God includes prayer and praise. Why? Because we were made to praise and worship God. Only God can fill our heart-shaped vacuum. We praise Him with our mouths, with our hands, with our feet, with our hearts, and with our minds–all that we are! The service you offer Him, the gifts you use for Him, the time you spend alone with Him, the love you share with others–these are all ways to turn your devotions with God into beautiful worship times.
Because my structured devotion times vary, I don’t always use a suggested “formula” for prayer time–like PRAY, for example. However, most of the time, this one seems to unfold naturally for me: Praise (Worshipping His name), Remembrance (Thankfulness), Ask (prayer requests), and You – your own needs and confessions). But if God reveals any unconfessed sin in my heart, I feel the need to move the “You” to the front of my prayer time. Not to restore a relationship with Him, but to keep our fellowship sweet. Then I can truly offer praise to the Holy One who has already paid the price for all my sin–forever.
Where Do You Start to Make Beautiful Worship Times a Way of Life?
Your individual, structured devotion time with God is yours. Avoid comparison and guilt because your days don’t look like someone else’s. Remember, it’s all about relationship. But for those who need and want help in turning your overall devotion with God into beautiful worship times–and a way of life (not just your quiet times alone with God), here are some reminders from last week and a few new suggestions that might help.
1. Pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). How? Start the moment you arise. Yes, even before coffee.
No matter how structured or unstructured this season of your life may be, begin your day with thanksgiving and praise. Thank God for a new day to live and that His mercies are fresh every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Praise Him that He has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11 TLB). Thank Him that He is healing you from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet (even if you won’t see that healing completed until heaven) (Psalm 103:1-3 NIV).
Noisy household? Thank God that you can hear and for giving you a family to love. Too much quiet? Thank Him for time and moments to be still, that He is always with you, and that God loves to hear His children pray.
2. Ask God to give you creative moments each day for beautiful worship times with Him.
That may mean getting up earlier (set the alarm) or going to bed a little later. Maybe you could find a quiet spot for a lunch break with God. He loves to hear our praise in the shower, and when we’re on the road (keep your hands on the wheel!).
We can list others’ prayer needs on our phones, and use creative times to pray for them–like in doctors’ office waiting rooms, or while traveling as a passenger in a car.
Even now, after decades of being a day-voted follower of Jesus, starting with the moment I arise, time in thanks, praise, devotion, and prayer/petition are a part of my entire day until bedtime—not just a fixed time in the morning or evening. I enjoy listening to praise music from my phone, while dressing, in the car, or when cooking. I spend time praying with my husband and whispering prayers throughout the day as God reminds me of others’ needs. Think of it as being in a prayerful attitude–and in a “listening” mode all day, ready to hear from your faithful Father’s heart.
One of the things I love the most is that God invites–and wants–us to talk to Him. He’s always ready for intimate conversations with us where we both talk and listen (see my blog post on “When You Need Someone to Talk To.”
3. Utilize “breath” prayers and praises throughout your day.
The kind and gentle “Mr. Rogers,” offered an excellent suggestion about speaking someone’s name out loud that we can adapt in praying. Throughout your day, whenever a name pops into your head, or God reminds you of someone who needs prayer, simply whisper or speak the name. God knows the need. And He hears your concern.
You could even whisper someone’s name and a one-word need: “_____(name): Hope.” _____(name): Healing.
Busy schedules are no excuse for neglecting beautiful worship times with God. Train your heart and mind to whisper/speak one-word thanks to God or names for God: “Home,” “Friends,” “Family.” “Jesus,” “Counselor,” “Redeemer,” “Creator.”
4. Let God speak to you through His creation.
Take time to notice the things God has made–and the people around you. We can always find something or someone to thank God for. Give thanks for a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Observe the variety of birds, flowers, trees–and people God has made–all beautiful, all unique, and all special in God’s eyes. Speak a kind word to a cashier or fellow worker. Instead of criticizing them, praise your spouse, child, or grandchild for a special character quality you see in them.
5. Turn hard times into worshipful prayer times.
We’d all like to withdraw from hearing bad news. But instead of allowing it to discourage your faith, turn that news into prayer and praise opportunities. Thank God He is still in control (Because He is). Pray for families torn by violence or disasters. Ask God to reveal Himself to those in the dark corners of our world. And thank Him for all the ways He is using others to help those in great need. Ask Him how you can help too. And praise Him for being the Messiah who is coming again and who is preparing a beautiful place for us with Him.
Whatever your circumstance or season of life, your devotions with God are a vital part of your spiritual growth. Spending time alone with Him can be challenging, but your faithful Father will answer that desire of your heart if you ask and watch for His creativity. But even more, He loves to make worship a way of life for you. He knows–and understands–that important need for you. Beautiful worship times are not impossible, because God says ALL things are possible!
Do You Understand Your Faithful Father’s Heart?
Would you like to discover more about your faithful Father’s heart? I’d love to help you develop sweet times of worship and devotions with God in my new book, Day-votions® with Your Faithful Father: 90 Days with the One Who Wants to Meet All Your Needs. You can find it here or on Amazon.
*If you missed them, you might also enjoy these posts: When the Future Seems Uncertain, Where Is Your Security,” and “When Burdens Are Too Heavy, What Can You Do?”
It’s Your Turn
Would you like to know more about your faithful Father’s heart and how He wants to spend time with you daily? Would you like to turn your devotions with God into beautiful worship times? What is one thing you can do to make that happen this week? I enjoy hearing from readers. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then it will come to me. Your name or info is not shared with anyone.
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