Jesus's Morning Routine Challenge Notes

Overview of the Challenge

• Duration: 7 days
• Purpose: To prioritize God and improve spiritual focus.
• Start time: Early morning (4:30 a.m.) as inspired by Jesus's routine.

Day 1: Initial Thoughts and Prayer

• Waking Early: Emphasis on waking before dawn when it is still dark.
• Physical Space: Important to find a secluded place to pray without distractions.
• Prayer Duration: Jesus prayed for 1 to 3 hours.
• Personal Reflection:
  • Excitement to reconnect with God after a long time of feeling distant.
  • Initial struggle with genuine prayer due to feelings of nervousness and distraction.
  • Confession and gratitude during prayer, acknowledging mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

Day 2: Focus on God

• Duration of Prayer: Almost 2 hours of prayer in the morning.
• Feeling of Accomplishment: Increased focus on God and sense of pride in continuing the routine.
• Temptation to Sleep In: Nearly gave in to oversleeping but ultimately chose to stick to the routine.
• Bible Study:
  • Attempted deep Bible study instead of prayer.
  • Struggled to comprehend verses, leading to frustration.
  • Feelings of failure due to mental and spiritual drain.

Day 3: Persistence Despite Challenges

• Morning Reflections: Continued struggle with understanding and engaging with scripture.
• Emotional State: Feelings of being drained, but still committed to showing up.
• Realization: It's okay to not be perfect; willingness to engage is what matters.

Day 4: Acceptance of Imperfection

• Missed Morning: Acknowledged not waking up as planned but recognized that it's acceptable to make mistakes.
• Mindset Shift: Importance of showing up even when it's difficult or imperfect.

Day 5: Positive Changes

• Revelation: Realized that it’s not about perfection but the willingness to connect with God.
• Overall Impact: Positive changes observed in life and spiritual focus over the week.

Day 6: Final Reflections

• Challenge Conclusion: Emphasis on the importance of the routine for spiritual health.
• Sustainability: Consideration to adjust the wake-up time (perhaps to 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.) to maintain engagement.
• Final Thoughts on Scripture: Returning to study the meaning behind verses and acknowledging Jesus's role in creation.
• Personal Growth: Feeling stronger and more connected to God through the challenge.

Key Takeaways

• Continued Engagement: The journey back to God is ongoing and requires persistence.
• Noteworthy Insight: "You don't have to be perfect. All you need is to show up and have a willing heart."
• Encouragement to Others: If struggling to connect with God, consider trying a similar routine.