Making Space for God

1. Recognize Your Starting Point

Before diving into daily practices, take a moment to assess:

Time Constraints: Are you juggling work, school, family, or other commitments?
Energy Levels: Do you function better in the morning or at night?
Spiritual Needs: Are you looking for deeper Bible study, prayer time, or more fellowship?

Once you understand your personal context, you can incorporate God-focused moments in a way that truly fits your routine—no guilt, no forced schedule.

Daily Breakdown

Monday: Setting the Tone

Morning Prayer (5 Minutes)
Instead of checking your phone first thing, pause for a brief prayer. Thank God for a new week and ask for focus and peace.
Work/School Commute
If you have a commute, listen to a short devotional or worship music. This transforms otherwise idle time into a spiritual reset.
Nightly Reflection
Jot down one thing that stressed you and one thing that blessed you. Offer both to God in a brief prayer.

Why It Helps: Starting the week with God invites a sense of intentionality and calm, countering Monday blues or anxiety about the days ahead.

Tuesday: Integrating Faith in the Midst of Tasks

Scripture on the Go
Keep a small verse card or an app notification that pings you with a Scripture reminder mid-morning.
Mindful Breaks
Instead of scrolling social media on your lunch break, go for a 5-minute walk and converse with God about your worries or plans.
Service Mindset
Challenge yourself to do one kind act (big or small) for someone today—buy a colleague coffee or send a quick encouraging text. Serving others is a great way to live out your faith tangibly.

Why It Helps: Small acts of faith integrated into daily life reduce stress by shifting your focus away from self and onto God and others.

Wednesday: Midweek Heart Check

Midweek Prayer or Accountability
Reach out to a faith-filled friend or group. Share a quick update about your week and request prayers if needed (the LiveHim Group would be fantastic for this).
Mental Health Alignment
If you notice anxiety creeping in, pause for a calming exercise:
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Acknowledge one worry.
3. Pray: “God, I release this to You. Guide me with wisdom and peace.”
Evening Worship Pause
Spend a few minutes with worship music or read a Psalm (e.g., Psalm 46). Let those words anchor you and remind you of God’s sovereignty.

Why It Helps: Wednesdays can be a tipping point for stress. A deliberate midweek check-in provides emotional and spiritual re-centering, preventing burnout.

Thursday: Gratitude Day

Morning Gratitude List
Write down three things you’re thankful for. These can be simple (a hot shower, a kind word from a co-worker) or profound.
Practical Kindness
Use the gratitude mindset to fuel a positive interaction. Express thanks or acknowledgment to someone you appreciate.
Time in the Word
If you can, read a short Bible passage focusing on thanksgiving (e.g., Philippians 4:4-7). Meditate on how gratitude counters anxiety.

Why It Helps: Gratitude shifts your mental perspective. When you actively recognize blessings, you create a buffer against stress and negative self-talk.

Friday: Reflect and Simplify

Morning Verse or Devotional
Prioritize a calm start. Read a short devotional or verse and ask, “How can I live this out today?”
Declutter Your Mind (and Space)
Take a few minutes to tidy up: a cluttered desk, a messy room, or a chaotic schedule can contribute to anxiety.
Prayerful Transition
As you wrap up the work or school week, pray over your weekend. Ask God for rest, rejuvenation, and opportunities to show love.

Why It Helps: By reflecting on the week behind you and simplifying your environment, you make room for mental and spiritual clarity.

Saturday: Rest & Realignment

Sabbath Mentality
Try to carve out a half-day or full day with minimal chores or obligations if possible. Use this time to rest physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Nature Connection
Spending time outdoors—whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike—can help you sense God’s presence in creation and clear your mind.
Family/Friends Devotional
If you have close family or friends around, consider a short group devotional or prayer time. Connection and faith-sharing can deepen relationships.

Why It Helps: Embracing a restful spirit one day a week aligns with the biblical concept of Sabbath. It reduces burnout, improves mental health, and reminds you that life is more than unending to-do lists.

Sunday: Community and Worship

Worship Service
Attending a local church (or tuning in online) is a powerful way to gather with others, worship God corporately, and gain fresh biblical insight.
Take Notes
Write down a sermon highlight or key Bible verse. Revisit it during the week when you need encouragement.
Plan Your Week with God in Mind
Before the day ends, map out the coming week. Schedule your quiet times, plan a midweek check-in, and list any major tasks that might need extra prayer.

Why It Helps: Community worship broadens your perspective. Hearing God’s Word preached and worshiping with others can reignite your passion and keep you accountable going into Monday.

Additional Tips for Mental Well-Being

Practice Self-Compassion
Failing to meet every spiritual goal isn’t the end of the world. God’s grace is sufficient. Be kind to yourself and start again.
Maintain a Prayer Journal
Writing down prayers or thoughts can help you externalize worries and track answered prayers over time. This fosters hope and assurance of God’s faithfulness.
Use Tech Wisely
Download a Bible app, set daily verse notifications, or create a playlist of uplifting worship music. But also consider limiting screen time if it contributes to anxiety.
Seek Professional Help If Needed
Sometimes anxiety or depression requires more than personal discipline. Talking to a Christian counselor, therapist, or pastor is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Putting It All Together

Staying close to God throughout the week doesn’t require lengthy devotionals every day or unrealistic commitments. Instead, think of it as weaving small threads of faith into your daily tapestry. When you pray over a morning cup of coffee, pause for a 2-minute Scripture reading at lunch, or attend a midweek Bible study, you’re reminding yourself (and your mind) that God walks each step with you.

Over time, these consistent, faith-based habits form a solid foundation—one that can significantly ease stress, reduce anxiety, and infuse your life with a deeper sense of purpose and connection. And remember: progress, not perfection, is the goal. Even short moments with God can have a profound impact on your emotional and spiritual well-being.

Final Word of Encouragement

No matter how hectic life gets, Jesus invites us to find rest in Him. A simple prayer, a quiet moment of worship, or a short verse can transform an ordinary day into a sacred one. Start where you are, embrace God’s grace as you grow, and watch how your faithfulness—no matter how small—can ripple through the rest of your week.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28