Quiet Mornings
For most, the gift of a quiet morning feels out of reach, especially on weekdays. But those first moments of each day hold transformative power. By beginning with stillness, prayer, and intentional reflection, we can center ourselves with the peace of God that reverberates throughout our interactions, allowing us to approach our daily relationships with greater grace, patience, and love.
Why Choose Stillness in the Morning?
Quiet mornings invite us to ground ourselves before the day’s demands begin. In this space, we are more attuned to God’s presence, opening the door to peace that flows in all we do. Instead of stepping into our day hurried and scattered, a calm morning equips us to be fully present with those we encounter.
Through scripture, prayer, and quiet reflection, we gain perspective, enabling us to let go of yesterday’s worries and refocus on what truly matters today. We also let go of worries about tomorrow. In these peace-filled moments, we can reconnect with our purpose, allowing the people and practices we care about most to take their rightful place in our hearts.
Leaving Your Phone Outside the Bedroom
A critical part of reclaiming your mornings is intentionally distancing yourself from your phone. To truly enjoy a quiet morning, try charging your phone in a space other than your bedroom and putting it on “Do Not Disturb” mode before bed. This practice frees your mind from the temptation of endless notifications and scrolling first thing in the morning, allowing you to begin your day with focus and intention.
Keeping your phone out of reach creates a mental boundary between yourself and the outside world, reinforcing that your morning is reserved for prayer, reflection, and preparation for the day ahead. Resist picking up your phone or taking it off “Do Not Disturb” until you’ve completed your morning devotion routine. This approach enables you to greet the day on your terms rather than letting the digital world intrude on your peace.
The Benefits of Beginning with Quiet
Starting the day in stillness has a ripple effect beyond the morning. Here’s how quiet time impacts the way we interact with loved ones and others throughout the day:
1. Enhanced Patience and Understanding
Prayer and reflection help us release anxieties and seek wisdom, increasing our patience and understanding. With a peaceful heart, we are less reactive and more receptive to the needs of others. When we encounter interruptions or frustrations, the peace we cultivate in the morning steadies our minds and hearts, helping us respond with grace.
2. Better Perspective and Resilience
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, they are anything but pleasant. When we start our day rooted in prayer, God equips us with perspective and resilience, enabling us to navigate challenges in accordance with His will. By keeping our foundation steady, we can avoid being swayed by negativity, which in turn helps us remain present and loving in our relationships.
3. Renewed Purpose and Focus
When we quiet our minds, we open space for intentional reflection on our day’s priorities. This sense of purpose encourages us to center our actions around our faith and our values. When we focus on loving and serving others well, our relationships grow richer, and we experience deeper fulfillment in every interaction.
Creating a Morning Routine of Quiet
A quiet morning doesn’t require hours. Any dedicated time of stillness can set a meaningful tone for your day. Here are some steps to create a simple morning routine that fosters a peaceful heart and prepares you to love well:
1. Start with Prayer—Begin by inviting God into your day and asking for peace, wisdom, and guidance. Use this time to lay down your worries and trust in His provision.
2. Reflect on Scripture – Choose a passage that resonates with you and meditate on it. Allow it to shape your mindset and align your focus for the day ahead.
3. Pause for Silence – After prayer and reflection, sit in silence. In this stillness, let your mind settle and listen for any quiet nudges from God. This practice grounds you, creating a calm and receptive heart.
4. Journal to Set Intentions – Consider your upcoming interactions and set intentions for your relationships. Pray for patience, understanding, and kindness in each encounter, then write it all down.
5. Resist the Phone – Complete your morning routine before checking your phone or removing it from “Do Not Disturb” mode. This practice keeps your heart and mind focused on faith and the people who matter most.
Resources for Quiet Mornings
(phones can be left on Do Not Disturb, and you can access only the devo apps)
Creating a morning of peace requires consistency and intention. Here are a few resources that can help guide you as you establish this habit:
1. The Bible – Begin with familiar Psalms or Proverbs for reflection.
2. Lectio 365 – A daily devotional resource of the international 24-7 Prayer movement, particularly of its religious order, the Order of the Mustard Seed.
3. The “Dwell” App—This app offers a rich collection of Scripture readings, read aloud, that you can listen to during your quiet time. It is perfect for guiding reflection without needing to check your phone notifications.
4. John Mark Comer's “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” is a beautiful book about slowing down and creating space for meaningful practices in a world of constant busyness.
Conclusion
When we make space for quiet mornings, we don’t just change how we feel; we transform how we show up for others. A peaceful heart stands out in a world filled with noise and distraction. It shines through in our actions, words, and ability to listen fully. This is the true impact of quiet mornings: a soul at rest, ready to live and love purposefully.
As you embrace the beauty of stillness each morning, we pray you find the peace that passes all understanding. With each new day, may your quiet mornings be a gentle reminder to live simply, love much, and remain centered on the people and practices that matter most.