Wake Up With Purpose: 5 Ways to Start Your Day with God

As believers, the amount of quality time we spend with God is being challenged like never before. There are many barriers fighting for our attention—things like social media, the news, family problems, financial forecasts, and so much more. These distractions often hinder us from creating the time and space to sit at the feet of Jesus. I will be the first to admit guilt for this, especially as my responsibilities have grown over the years. Becoming a mom, accumulating bills, growing my businesses, starting new ones… all of these, outside of personal and professional ebbs and flows, play into the complexities of life.

Time and space seem to become more occupied, but now and then, it’s important to recalibrate and make sure that we’re right where we want to be in our relationship with God. More than that, it’s important to be right where we need to be with Him. I’m finding a lot more ease in doing this by incorporating the Lord in my morning routines. Things like morning prayer or casual talks with the Father strengthen me throughout the day and remind me that I’m not walking this walk alone.

If you’ve experienced the misfortune of losing sight of your relationship with God, don’t worry. There’s always redemption at the cross, and I want to help you get there.

Here are 5 Ways to Start Your Day with God:

1. Pray Before You Touch Your Phone

It’s difficult at times to avoid the urge to check your phone first thing in the morning (I’m guilty of this too). For some reason, no matter how many hours of sleep we did or did not get, there’s always this impulsive sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) that creeps up on us the moment we open our eyes. We want to see if anyone tried to contact us while we were asleep, check how many people liked our post, find out what the weather is going to be today…there are a plethora of reasons why we do it. The question is, should we do it? Aside from the obvious fact that we should put God first, there are also psychological consequences to starting the day off this way. I won’t go too far into detail on that because that’s not why you’re here. The point is, before checking your notifications or emails, check in with Heaven. Just a simple “Good morning, Lord. Thank you for waking me up,” can shift your entire day. Prayer doesn't always have to be long or eloquent. Sometimes, it's just about acknowledging His presence before the world grabs your attention. Invite Him into your day before anything else gets hold of you.

2. Open the Word, Even If It’s Just One Verse

Now that you’ve communicated with the Father, take some time to read His word. Yes, that means pick up your phone now (lol). Whether you have a physical bible or the bible app, it’s important to digest the word of God. As powerful as prayer is, there’s nothing more transformative, assuring, pure, or real than the word of God. Every ounce of insight we need can be found in God’s word. I like to think of prayer as “output” and scripture as “input”. Casting our cares in prayer alleviates the tension and stress that may be lingering. Once you’re emptied and you’ve cleared your mind, it’s the perfect space to fill with truth, love, wisdom, and guidance. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). One verse has the power to refresh your soul and reset your mindset. Whether it's through a devotional app, a sticky note on your mirror, or a Bible next to your bed, starting your day with Scripture builds a firm foundation. You’d be surprised how that one verse comes back to encourage you later in the day.

3. Worship While You Get Ready

Make a morning soundtrack that lifts your spirit. Turn on worship music while you're brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or making coffee. Worship shifts atmospheres. It invites peace, joy, and gratitude—and prepares your heart for whatever the day may bring. I will quite literally sing at the top of my lungs at 6 am to show appreciation to my Heavenly Father for all that He’s done. I know not everyone can do this, but find ways to stir up an atmosphere of worship in your home, room, dorm, hotel, etc. Wherever you are, Christ deserves to be there. Not only is He deserving, but He’s worth it. You will find a unique shift in your attitude and outlook as well. Give it a try and watch how things turn around. 

4. Journal and/or Speak Life Over Your Day

What you say matters. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Use your morning to declare God’s promises out loud or write them in a journal…or both: “Today, I walk in favor.” “God is with me and goes before me.” “I am equipped and empowered for what’s ahead.” Speaking life sets the tone for your mindset and reminds you of who you are and whose you are. Here are a few journal prompts and affirmations to keep you steady:

Journal Prompt	Affirmation
What am I believing God for today?	I am covered by God’s grace and surrounded by His favor…
How can I choose peace over anxiety this morning?	I choose faith over fear and peace over panic...
What does God’s favor look like in my current season?	God’s wisdom leads me, His love surrounds me, and His power strengthens me…
What are three things I’m grateful for right now?	Today, I speak life. I expect blessings. I receive joy…

5. Ask God for Direction—Then Listen

Too often, we ask God for direction, and then we act before He can give it. I challenge you to LISTEN to God’s instructions. Sometimes it comes in a still, small voice, other times it’s loud and clear, other times it’s a sign, a vision, or prophetic clarity. However, the Lord presents Himself to you; listen to Him. Sometimes we ask God to bless our plans without ever asking Him what His plan is. Take a few quiet moments to ask, “Lord, what do YOU want me to focus on today?” Let Him lead your schedule, your decisions, and your heart. Even if the answer isn’t immediate, being in the posture of seeking His guidance invites wisdom and peace into your day. Stay open to His instruction.

Final Thoughts:

Waking up with purpose isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present with God. Every new morning is another chance to walk with Him, hear from Him, and grow in your faith. No matter what yesterday looked like, today is an opportunity to begin again. So tomorrow, when the sun rises, let your soul rise too, anchored in the One who never sleeps nor slumbers.

You’ve got this. And God’s got you.