As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19
THE PURPOSE OF THIS PRACTICE is to get a feel for what it is like to contemplate God’s loving purposes as you go through your day. It will involve time in the morning to open your heart to God and time in the evening to express gratitude for his faithfulness. In between, you will be checking in once per hour. You will need some sort of alarm to remind you at the beginning of each hour.
Morning Watch
If you already spend time with God in the mornings, take the final five minutes of that time for this part of the practice. If you do not have a morning devotional habit, you may want to take some time first just to connect with God and rest in his presence, quieting your heart.
Begin this five-minute session by thanking God for his love for you and offering him your own words of love. Try to let go of all other distractions. Then consider the day before you. What will you be doing? Whom will you be seeing? How will your hours be spent? As you consider these questions, ask God to give you his heart for all of it. Picture him walking with you, his presence there with you every moment. Offer yourself to him, telling him that you desire to commune with him throughout the day. Envision walking out into your day with God as your companion.
Checking In
Set your smartphone, watch, or computer to remind yourself to pause once per hour throughout the workday. When the reminder comes, take one minute to ask, “Lord, am I being the person you want me to be right now? Lord, is there any way you want me to show your love right now?”
Evening Watch
Take five minutes before bedtime to consider your contemplative journey with the following questions.
- What difference do I think offering your day to God made?
- How did checking in every hour change things?
- How would I like to grow in this?
- What do I understand more about God’s love for me and for others?
Offer a heart of gratitude for God’s presence and purpose and for his call for you to be a part of it.
Try to engage in this practice for thirty days in a row in order for it to become a habit and a natural way of life for you.