December 29-January 4, 2025
As we begin a New Year, we all want to create a fresh start or begin a new habit. Did you know that January is the worst time to try to change a routine? Your body and mind are in a season of winter. It’s a time of stillness. Being slow and gentle with yourself is the better choice for this month. You can take inventory and look beneath the surface of life but this month, don’t try to make drastic changes. Your better place is at the foot of Jesus, prayerfully resting, and listening/waiting upon Him.
This week's Bible reading: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Focus Theme: Stillness
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: What if stillness was actually a value? Make a list of the things that could be a value from sitting still with God.
Day 2: What could it look like to just “be” and feel like that would accomplish everything needed. Make a to-don’t list today. For example: 1. Don’t spend time scrolling. 2. Don’t stay inside all day. 3. Don’t try to achieve anything. 4. Don’t do any one task for more than an hour. 5. Don’t spend the entire day alone. Now, accomplish everything on your list!
Day 3: Read this quote on prayer and reflect on what it looks like this week to do more flowing and floating: Jean Pierre de Caussade’s description of the simplicity of prayer - “The soul, light as a feather, fluid as water, innocent as a child, responds to every movement of grace like a floating balloon.”
Day 4: How can you be assured you “know God?” Make a list of some things today that help you know God better and “pin them” so you can create time during the rest of the week to do them. These practices may include prayer, reading, feasting God’s Word, preparing a space to meet with God, walking in a place where He speaks to you, talking with someone to share your intentions, cooking a meal and inviting others to join you at the table, etc! Pray for God to help you hold space for “knowing Him!”
Day 5: How did you do this week at “being still?” What needs more attention for you to do more of this during the month of January? Make some notes and pray for God’s help today. Pray the result is “knowing God better!”
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.