Weaving Devotions

by Crystal Linn

Today I sit here calm and relaxed, cherishing my daily quiet time with our Heavenly Father; studying my Bible, praying earnestly and listening for that still small voice to guide me. Unfortunately, there was a time in my life when this was not possible.

In 2003 I returned to the work force and found myself working erratic hours. This made it impossible for me to plan any schedule for myself, let alone plan for quality quiet times with my Lord.  In desperation I pleaded with God for a solution and He reminded me of the technique used by many serious writers.  The technique of weaving writing times throughout the day.

Those of us who are serious about our calling weave writing into our every day lives, always capturing extra time here and there to write.  For example, one writer may write twenty minutes while riding the bus to work and write thirty more minutes on a lunch break.  Another writer may write fifteen minutes while waiting to see the doctor and then another sixty minutes after dinner.

Could I do this – weave my quiet moments with God throughout the day – like I do my writing?  Let’s see…I could read a quick devotional first thing in the morning; write in my prayer journal during my lunch break and read a few chapters as soon as I returned home.  Then I could have some serious prayer time before bed each night. The more I pondered this, the more practical it seemed, especially for my unusual work schedules. The Bible verses talking about always being in God’s presence, day and night, were an encouragement in this decision.

I wove my quiet times into my days’ activities gradually, starting with reading a page in my devotional book early in the morning.  Next I added writing daily prayers during my lunch break, on the days I had one.  I then started reading my Bible upon returning home, whenever that was.  Each night before bed I tried to spend some time praying but was usually too tired and fell asleep before finishing.

While this concept of weaving quiet times throughout the day may be considered non-traditional, it proved to be a wise decision.  While I cannot say this technique wrought life-changing miracles in my life I can testify that the days I was faithful were calmer and more productive.  And, those brief quiet moments sprinkled throughout the day helped get me though some rough times.

Recently God changed my schedule, dramatically.  As I sit here quietly and look back over the past few years I see where he honored my efforts to invite him into a hectic life-style.  I love him for that and for answering the prayer of my heart by giving me this new schedule where I can spend more time with him.  And, I realize I cherish these quiet times more than I did my quiet times prior to returning to work in 2003.

Crystal Linn is a freelance writer and an award-winning poet who lives in Washington State. When not working or writing she enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing with her friends and family.  If you would like to comment on this article feel free to email writers@blessedlady.com.
 

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