I suppose every day is a “day with the Lord” because He’s always with us, but today already feels special. I decided to make a day with the Lord since I’m waiting for my eyedrops and antibiotic to kick in for my ear ache and pink eye. Add laryngitis into the mix, and I’m really not good for anything! So this morning, I felt under divine instructions to rest. No lesson plans. No writing a novel. No grading. No work. No meetings.
Can you imagine canceling everything to create a day that sprawls out in front of you like a red carpet unfurling to some grand event? That’s what it felt like to sit in my mustard yellow recliner and plan my restful day with the Lord. If you’re curious how it works (and how it’s going), I’ll tell you. (And I realize this only works because I don’t have small children needing my attention. When I did, I left the house for a 6 hour retreat with the Lord at a prayer cabin.)
Brew your coffee or steep your tea. Get into your coziest clothes. Start with your Journal. Fill a whole page with grateful thoughts to God. On the next page, list out everything distracting you or what you’re worried about. Next, read Psalm 145 several times and linger over phrases that catch your attention. Spend the next hour thinking about the unsearchable greatness of God (v. 3) and abundant goodness of His care (v. 7). Talk to Him about all He has accomplished in your life. Talk to Him about things that amaze you in nature. Marvel a while. By this time, you might want to listen to a great worship song. You might also become hungry. Eat your breakfast. Take a walk or a bath. But the whole time, keep thinking about God. Think about Psalm 145:19 where we’re told that God “will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him.” Make a list of what you actually desire. This might take some time.
To change the program a bit, consider your prayer journal. Take the next hour to pray for people in your life. Pray for healing, protection, wisdom, provision. Pray for direction and for godly relationships. You might also spend part of this hour texting encouraging words to hurting people.
Since you still have time before lunch, why not stay in God’s presence and make something unusual and delicious? Since the antibiotic is hard on my stomach, I wanted to make something easier to digest. I made pearl couscous with lemon, basil, and some parmesan cheese. I listened to music while I cooked. I ate a great lunch. I took my medicine. I did a few chores. The whole time, I kept God in my mind.
After lunch, consider reading devotionally. I’m finishing up Andrew Murray’s Humility. After an hour of reading, move on to asking God some questions and journaling your thoughts about your purpose, activities, and relationships. Take the afternoon to create a “strategic plan” with God about your December and perhaps what you want to focus on in the new year. Now, it might be time for an apple or some nuts.
In a nutshell, a six hour “day with the Lord” could look like this:
- Gratitude and Worries. You might even draw in your journal as you write down grateful items. Drink your morning beverage.
- Bible reading (Psalm 145) and lingering over key passages. Pause for breakfast.
- Worship by thanksgiving and praise (this might include confession and a clearing of the mind). You might take a walk.
- Intercession for others and texting encouragement
- Creative activity with God (baking, drawing, etc.)
- Devotional reading
- Planning for the future
Enjoy your day!
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