Ever notice how professional athletes have pre-game routines? They don’t just show up and play—they follow carefully crafted patterns to prepare their bodies and minds for peak performance. Similarly, our spiritual lives benefit from intentional routines, particularly at the start of each day. A morning devotional routine can be the difference between stumbling through our day reactively and walking through it purposefully with God.
In our hyper-connected world, many of us begin our days by reaching for our phones, immediately subjecting ourselves to a flood of emails, news, and social media updates. We allow the world to set our agenda before our feet even hit the floor. But what if we could start our days differently? What if we could center ourselves spiritually before the daily deluge begins?
The ancient Christians understood this need for spiritual centering. They developed a practice called lectio divina (sacred reading) that helped believers start their days by connecting deeply with God through Scripture. Today, we can adapt their time-tested wisdom into a simple but powerful four-step devotional method that transforms our morning routine into a spiritual launching pad for the day ahead.
Step 1: Receive
We begin by receiving God's Word into our hearts and minds. This means reading Scripture slowly and attentively, not rushing through it like we’re cramming for an exam. The goal isn’t to check off a Bible-reading box but to listen for God’s voice. As we read, we acknowledge our need for God’s truth and allow it to penetrate beyond surface-level understanding. Think of it as a spiritual breakfast—we’re taking in the nourishment our souls need for the day ahead.
Step 2: Reflect
Next, we reflect on what we’ve read. This isn’t mere academic analysis but a thoughtful meditation on how God’s Word intersects with our lives. We might ask ourselves: What is God saying to me through this passage? How does this truth apply to my current situation? What attitudes or actions might need to change in light of this Scripture? This reflection helps God's Word move from our heads to our hearts.
Step 3: Respond
The third step moves us from reflection to response. Having heard from God through His Word, we respond in prayer and commitment to action. We talk with God about what we’ve learned and ask for His help to live it out. This might mean confessing sin, expressing gratitude, or committing to specific steps of obedience. The key is that we’re not just gathering information – we're allowing God's Word to shape our day’s priorities and decisions.
Step 4: Reveal
Finally, we consider how to reveal these truths to others. This step prepares us to be spiritual influencers in our daily interactions. The insights and encouragement we’ve received aren’t meant to be kept to ourselves. As we go about our day, we look for opportunities to share what God is teaching us, whether through formal ministry or informal conversations with family, friends, and colleagues.
This four-step method isn’t complicated, but it is transformative. When practiced consistently, it helps us develop spiritual resilience and maintains our connection with God throughout the day. It’s like having a spiritual anchor that keeps us steady no matter what storms we might encounter.
To make this routine even more accessible, Back to the Bible has developed the GoTandem app, which guides users through these four steps each morning. The app provides carefully selected Scripture readings and prompts for reflection, making it easier to establish and maintain a consistent devotional routine. Think of it as having a personal spiritual fitness trainer in your pocket, helping you stay on track with your morning spiritual workouts.
The key to success with morning devotions isn’t perfection but consistency. Start small—perhaps with just 15 minutes—and let the routine grow naturally as you experience its benefits. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed, silence your phone (except for your Bible app!), and give God the first moments of your day. You might be surprised how this simple routine begins to transform not just your mornings but your entire approach to daily life.
Remember, the goal isn’t to add another task to your morning to-do list. Instead, it’s about starting your day by connecting with the source of all wisdom, strength, and peace. It’s about allowing God to set your day’s agenda rather than letting the world do it for you. When we begin our days with God, we’re better equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Ready to start? Download the GoTandem app and commit to trying this four-step method for the next 30 days. Your morning routine might just become the most important appointment of your day—a daily rhythm that transforms your spiritual life one morning at a time.