Monday Morning Musings....

Getting up early to read God's word and to pray....


At a meeting recently we were discussing some books to study for our ladies summer series.  We wanted it to be light, but with meaning.  We wanted it full of God's word and have really practical day to day ideas and encouragement to living out what Christ teaches in the Bible.

"Shopping for Time" by Carolyn Mahaney was mentioned.

Most of us had read it already as a book for our book club.  And then there was much discussion over one of her ideas for getting the most out of each day...getting up early...like really early!  I forget what the author said was the BEST time, but it definitely was elaborated on at the meeting.

One of my friends said to me, "maybe someday I'll be able to get up as early as you do, Beth, but right now I just can't do it.  I can't concentrate that early."  She's right you know...it is hard to concentrate that early.

The author (and co-author's) mention that they get up early to spend time reading God's word and to pray.

I try to follow Flylady.  If you haven't see the website, it is definitely worth checking out!   You can find out information about her at www.flylady.net .  She recommends to get up 15 minutes before anyone else in your house to get ready for the day.

This morning my wonderful dog, Butch, woke up at 2:30 am!  ugh... normally Dave takes him out, but I kept waiting for Dave to wake up, but he didn't and the dog kept scratching at the door.  I figured that I'd better get up or there'd be a mess to pick up.  Since I was already up and I have a really long day today I thought that I should stay up.

Now, my friends think that I'm crazy when I do this.  I'm not really.  I'm actually a really sane woman (well, most of the time).  It's just that once I get up I usually take FOREVER to get back to sleep, then I sleep through my alarm clock, then I feel rushed in the morning.  So I get up (and go to bed early that night if at all possible).

I was reading my Bible and praying this morning when the thought struck me about why I like reading and praying so early in the morning.  It sets my day.  I don't always remember everything that I read, but it reminded me of eating breakfast.  I don't spend a lot of time on breakfast, but I eat within 30 minutes of getting up to set my metabolism and my attitude (when I'm hungry I get cranky).  I do that in the morning with prayer and the Bible.  I don't do any deep studying at this time of the day...my brain doesn't function well then, but I just read.  I soak in the words of the pages and I think about what the author is saying and I try to pick out something small to think about during the day.  It sets my desire to please God all day.  It helps my attitude.  It sets my outlook on life.  It gives me hope for the day.

Psalm 143:8

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.