I used to approach my quiet time with God like a grab bag—open the Bible at random, hoping for that perfect verse to jumpstart my day. More often than not, I’d end up on a confusing page (looking at you, Ezekiel 4:12-15!), and my time with God felt more like a scavenger hunt than a meaningful conversation. Then I discovered that a little structure isn’t about rigidity; it’s about creating a solid trellis for my spiritual life—one that lifts me up, helps me grow, and allows me to bear the fruit God intends.
Why Structure Matters
Imagine a vineyard without a trellis: the vines would sprawl on the ground, get tangled in weeds, and produce bruised, unhealthy grapes. Without a supportive structure, even the best vine can wither. I realized that my spiritual life was the same. Without intentional habits and practices, I was left drifting, missing out on the deep nourishment that comes from a well-ordered devotional time.
My Daily Devotional Routine
Here’s a peek into my personal routine—a structure that has become my spiritual trellis:
- Bible App – Daily Refresh:
I start my day with the daily refresh on my Bible app. This helps set the tone and primes my heart for what God has in store. - Guided Prayer with Lectio365:
Next, I use Lectio365 for guided prayer. This practice helps center my thoughts and tunes my spirit to the frequency of God’s love. - Five Minutes of Silence:
After guided prayer, I sit in silence for five minutes. During this time, I let the Holy Spirit speak. Sometimes He offers a deep, guiding thought that shifts my perspective for the day. I’m learning to stay open and receptive to these unexpected moments. - One Worship Song:
Sometimes, I let my heart pick a random worship song that perfectly captures my mood; other times, I intentionally select a song that speaks to a specific need or promise in Scripture. Singing worship helps me focus on God’s goodness, align my spirit, and usher in His presence for the day ahead. - Bible Reading – One Chapter:
I then read at least one chapter from the Bible, following the book I’m currently studying. This isn’t about speed-reading; it’s about soaking in God’s Word and letting it sink into my heart. - Spiritual Book Reading – 15 Minutes:
I also carve out 15 minutes to read a spiritual book. This not only broadens my understanding but also adds a fresh layer of inspiration to my devotional time. - Practice Listening Prayer:
Occasionally, I engage in listening prayer. I ask God a specific question and then sit quietly, waiting for His answer. It’s humbling and powerful—like having a one-on-one conversation with God. - Pray the Room:
One of my favorite practices is “Pray the Room.” I ask God to bring people to mind who need prayer, then ask, “God, what should I pray for them?” It’s an intimate way to connect my personal time with the needs of others. - A Cup of Coffee (God-Approved!):
And of course, I never forget a good cup of coffee. I’m convinced that God enjoys coffee too! That perfect cup not only wakes me up but also becomes a delightful part of my daily ritual—a little nudge that I’m ready to engage with God fully.
The Impact of a Spiritual Trellis
This structured routine is my trellis—it supports my spiritual growth and keeps my faith climbing upward rather than sprawling on the ground. With this framework, I’ve noticed that my devotional time isn’t chaotic or haphazard. Instead, it’s a period of intentional connection, where God’s voice is clearer, the Holy Spirit flows more freely, and I can truly be “Rooted to Rise.”
A Personal Call to Action
If you’ve ever felt that your quiet time is more of a jumble than a joy, I invite you to try adding a bit of structure to your day. Experiment with a routine that works for you—maybe start by setting aside a specific time for prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Gather your Bible, your favorite spiritual book, and yes, that cup of coffee, and commit to a daily ritual that lifts you up.
And if you haven’t yet started your journey with Jesus, or if you feel like you’ve drifted away, know that today is a perfect day to begin again. Romans 10:9 promises that if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. Plant your roots in Him, and watch your life transform into one that rises, bears fruit, and refreshes those around you.
So, let’s commit together—build that trellis, embrace the flow of the Holy Spirit, and get ready to be rooted to rise. Your best spiritual harvest awaits!