The silence before the sound
is a quiet envelope between
the now and the after,
your last moment of unknowing
before the sowing of whatever
whoever whenever
comes next.
~ Silence Is Beauty
This poem reminds me how I crave the silence before the loud, or in my case before three teenage boys come down stairs. Sacred are the quiet hours before heavy feet hit the floor. And treasured are the minutes ticking before I put myself aside to serve my offspring selflessly.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you,” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:35-38 (ESV)
Scripture tells us that when Jesus was here on earth he often retreated to solitude. For example right before He was tempted by the tempter Jesus was led into the wilderness for 40 days by the Spirit. We also see Jesus going to the garden of Gethsemane to pray right before He endured the cross. Or like stated in Mark 1: 35-38 Jesus was alone right before He went out to preach.
Jesus sought solitude not only when enduring hardships, but also when preparing for ministry.
He knew the importance of finding a quiet place to be strengthened, refreshed, and filled back up by the Father. And If Jesus found it necessary, then we should too.
All things were made through Him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3 (ESV)
God made everything and because we were made in the image of God we too were made to create.
Creating a routine is what sets the rhythm and cadence for our day. I thrive on routines, and I know I am at my best when one is set in place.
I created this Early Morning Rhythm as a time of prayer, worship and meditation into God’s Word.
Having 30 minutes alone before everyone wakes up is a great place to start. As it becomes easier, (and it will) you can add more time to this routine.
When I started this early routine I felt like a mombie getting out of bed. It was not easy, I had to pray and ask God to give me the strength and a desire to want to wake up early and meet with Him.
For me I found solitude in the wee hours of the morning before the sun rises and before the house wakes. It allows me to cultivate a serene place to meet with the Lord.
The early mornings leave room for God to come in and speak words of life before the world comes in uninvited. It is a time to allow God to refill us, restore us, and refresh us.
I began to see that seeking God first gave space for me to receive clear direction and firm affirmation. It’s where I learned to rest and linger a little longer until I was ready for the world.
I knew that If I wanted to be the best wife to my husband and mother to my kids I had to seek God before I sought them.
How do you create an Early Morning Rhythm?
To create your own Early Morning Rhythm find a cozy spot in your house. Set the ambiance by lighting a candle, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and then grab your bible, journal, and a pen. Feel free to use this time to add books you are reading to help cultivate this time.
I found that starting my time with breath prayers has helped me to stay focused. If you are interested in what breath prayers are you should check out Jeniffer Tucker’s book Breath as Prayer.
As you begin to make your Early Morning Rhythm a daily routine it will be your most precious sacred moment of the day.
I have been doing this holy practice daily for over 15 years, and sometime that meant getting up at 4:30 am, because as my kids’ schedule changed that meant mine did too. As I made this a daily habit it became something I looked forward to doing every morning.
Early Morning Rhythms changed me!
Seven years ago my dr. diagnosed me with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) while I do not claim this over my life, I do acknowledge that my emotions sometime leave me feeling a bit all over the place. But having this time early in the morning has brought so much peace, especially on days when I felt angst.
Friends, I know that as you begin to create this daily holy practice you will begin to see God move and do a work in your life. Because that’s what God’s Word does it has the power to change us and we will see our emotions and attitude follow.
We are His children and most precious possessions, He desires to spend time with us.
A prayer of blessing as you create your own Early Morning Rhythm…
Dear Jesus,
As we commit to wake up early and give you the very first part of our day strengthen us, and ready our hearts to receive from you. Give us a desire to spend time with you, so we can grow into all you have called us to do. Thank you Lord for all you will do through us and in us. We love you!
In Jesus name,
Amen!
I hope you were encouraged and inspired!
Until next month Friends,
~?Veronica
Here are few resources to help you get started.
Lisa Bevere’s Strong, To Live a Powerful and Passionate Life & Lysa Terkeurst’s Embrased, 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close
Emily Ley’s Sure as the Sunrise- 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight
P.S. I would love to hear how you are spending your Early Morning Rhythm, and If you need help getting started, you can leave a question in the comments or email me.