PrayerclustDo you want to grow closer to God and experience His presence in your daily life? Do you sometimes struggle to balance your spiritual life with your busy schedule? If so, you are not alone. Many Christians face the challenge of putting God first in their daily routines, especially in a world that is full of distractions and temptations.
However, putting God first is not only a commandment, but also a blessing. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we prioritize God in our daily lives, we align ourselves with His will and purpose, and we receive His grace and provision. We also enjoy a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him, which is the ultimate goal of our faith.
So how can we put God first in our daily lives? Here are practical ways to do so
1. Start with Prayer and Meditation
One of the best ways to put God first is to start your day with prayer and meditation. Prayer is a way of communicating with God, expressing your gratitude, praise, requests, and concerns. Meditation is a way of listening to God, reflecting on His Word, and quieting your mind.
Prayer and meditation can help you to:
- Acknowledge God’s presence and sovereignty in your life.
- Align your thoughts and desires with God’s will.
- Receive God’s peace and guidance for the day ahead.
- Strengthen your faith and trust in God.
To make prayer and meditation a consistent practice, you can:
- Set a specific time and place for your prayer and meditation.
- Use a prayer journal or a prayer app to keep track of your prayers and answers.
- Follow a prayer model, such as the ACTS acronym (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).
- Use a meditation app or a guided meditation to help you focus and relax.
- Memorize and meditate on scriptures that inspire and encourage you.
The Bible says:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Read and Study the Bible
Another way to put God first is to read and study the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word and His revelation to us. It contains His promises, commands, wisdom, and love. It also tells us who God is, who we are, and what He has done for us.
Reading and studying the Bible can help you to:
- Learn more about God and His character.
- Understand God’s plan and purpose for your life.
- Apply God’s principles and teachings to your daily situations.
- Grow in your knowledge and faith in God.
To read and study the Bible effectively, you can:
- Choose a Bible translation that is easy to understand and faithful to the original text.
- Follow a Bible reading plan that covers the whole Bible or a specific topic or theme.
- Join a Bible study group that meets regularly and discusses the Bible in depth.
- Use a Bible commentary or a study Bible to help you interpret and apply the Bible.
- Ask questions and seek answers from the Bible and other reliable sources.
The Bible says:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
3. Attend Worship Services
Attending to worship services is another way to put God first. Worship is a way of expressing our love, admiration, and devotion to God. It is also a way of honoring and glorifying Him for who He is and what He has done.
Attending worship services can help you to:
- Connect with God and experience His presence and power.
- Join with other believers and form a community of faith.
- Receive God’s grace and forgiveness through the sacraments.
- Hear God’s Word and be inspired and challenged by the preaching.
- Praise God and thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness.
To attend worship services regularly, you can:
- Find a church or a worship gathering that aligns with your beliefs and values.
- Commit to going to worship services every week or as often as possible.
- Invite your friends and family to join you or go with you.
- Participate actively and enthusiastically in the worship activities.
- Follow up and apply what you learned and experienced in the worship service.
The Bible says:
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)
4. Serve Others
Serving others is a way of showing God’s love and compassion to those in need. It is also a way of following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.
Serving others can help you to:
- Put God’s interests and priorities above your own.
- Use your gifts and talents to bless and benefit others.
- Meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.
- Share the gospel and demonstrate God’s kingdom.
- Grow in your humility and generosity.
To serve others effectively, you can:
- Identify the needs and opportunities in your community and beyond.
- Choose a service project or a ministry that matches your passion and skills.
- Volunteer your time and resources to support a cause or an organization.
- Help your neighbors and friends with their chores or problems.
- Pray for and encourage those who are serving or being served.
The Bible says:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
5. Live with Purpose and Intention
God created everybody with different purpose, to put God first you have to live with purpose and intention. Living with purpose and intention means living with a clear vision and direction for your life. It also means living in a way that reflects God’s will and plan for you.
Living with purpose and intention can help you to:
- Discover and fulfill God’s calling and mission for your life.
- Make wise and meaningful decisions that honor God and benefit others.
- Avoid distractions and temptations that hinder your growth and happiness.
- Live a balanced and fruitful life that glorifies God and satisfies you.
To live with purpose and intention, you can:
- Seek God’s guidance and direction for your life through prayer and Scripture.
- Write down your vision, goals, and action steps for your life.
- Review and revise your vision, goals, and action steps regularly.
- Align your daily activities and choices with your vision and goals.
- Celebrate your achievements and learn from your failures.
The Bible says:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
6. Seek God’s Guidance in Decisions
Seeking God’s guidance in decisions means consulting God before making major or minor decisions. It also means trusting God to lead you and show you the best way.
Seeking God’s guidance in decisions can help you to:
- Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and wisdom in your life.
- Avoid mistakes and regrets that result from your own understanding or preferences.
- Experience God’s peace and confidence in your decisions.
- Follow God’s path and purpose for your life.
To seek God’s guidance in decisions, you can:
- Pray and ask God for His will and direction in your decisions.
- Read and study the Bible and apply its principles and teachings to your decisions.
- Seek counsel and advice from godly and wise people who know you and your situation.
- Listen and pay attention to the signs and confirmations that God gives you.
- Be willing and ready to obey God’s guidance, even if it is different from your own.
The Bible says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
7. Trust God in All Circumstances
With God, all things are possible, to put God first is to trust God in all circumstances. Trusting God in all circumstances means having confidence that God is in charge and that He is working for your good and His glory. It also means depending on God’s power and promises, rather than on your own abilities or resources.
Trusting God in all circumstances can help you to:
- Recognize God’s presence and authority in your life.
- Avoid worry and anxiety that result from your own understanding or expectations.
- Experience God’s peace and assurance in your decisions.
- Follow God’s path and purpose for your life.
To trust God in all circumstances, you can:
- Pray and ask God for His will and direction in your circumstances.
- Read and study the Bible and claim its promises and truths for your circumstances.
- Seek advice and support from godly and wise people who know you and your circumstances.
- Be willing and ready to obey God’s direction, even if it is different from your own.
The Bible says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
8. Forgive Others
We were told to forgive others in the bible. Forgiving others is a way of obeying God’s command and following Jesus’ example. It is also a way of releasing yourself and others from the bondage of bitterness and resentment.
Forgiving others can help you to:
- Honor God and reflect His grace and mercy in your life.
- Experience inner peace and healing from the wounds of the past.
- Restore and improve your relationships with others.
- Prevent and overcome the negative effects of unforgiveness, such as anger, depression, and stress.
To forgive others effectively, you can:
- Recognize and acknowledge the hurt and pain that others have caused you.
- Decide and choose to forgive them, regardless of how you feel or what they deserve.
- Pray and ask God to help you forgive them and heal your heart.
- Express your forgiveness to them, either verbally or in writing, if possible and appropriate.
- Let go of the grudge and move on with your life.
The Bible says:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
9. Love Your Enemies
Love your enemies is a commandment. Loving your enemies is a way of obeying Jesus’ radical and revolutionary command. It is also a way of showing God’s character and bringing glory to Him.
Loving your enemies can help you to:
- Overcome evil with good and break the cycle of violence and hatred.
- Demonstrate God’s love and grace to those who don’t deserve it.
- Challenge and change the hearts and minds of your enemies.
- Grow in your maturity and faith in God.
To love your enemies effectively, you can:
- Identify and pray for your enemies, whether they are individuals or groups.
- Bless and do good to your enemies, rather than curse or harm them.
- Speak well and respectfully of your enemies, rather than slander or insult them.
- Seek peace and reconciliation with your enemies, rather than revenge or retaliation.
The Bible says:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
10. Be Content with What You Have
To put God first you have to be content with what you have. Being content with what you have means being grateful and satisfied with what God has given you. It also means avoiding the trap of materialism and the love of money.
Being content with what you have can help you to:
- Acknowledge God’s provision and generosity in your life.
- Resist the temptation and pressure to compare yourself with others or to pursue more than you need.
- Enjoy and appreciate the simple and essential things in life.
- Save and give more to God’s work and to those in need.
To be content with what you have, you can:
- Make a list of the things that you have and thank God for them.
- Avoid or limit your exposure to the sources of discontentment, such as advertisements, social media, or envy.
- Adopt a minimalist lifestyle and get rid of the things that you don’t use or need.
- Share your resources and possessions with others who are less fortunate.
The Bible says:
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
11. Seek Godly Friendships
Another way to put God first is to seek godly friendships. Seeking godly friendships means surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to grow in your faith and love for God. It also means avoiding or limiting your association with people who influence you negatively or pull you away from God.
Seeking godly friendships can help you to:
- Receive and give support, advice, and accountability in your spiritual journey.
- Learn from and share with others who have different perspectives and experiences.
- Enjoy and celebrate life with others who share your values and goals.
- Serve and minister to others as a team and a family.
To seek godly friendships, you can:
- Join a small group or a fellowship group in your church or community.
- Reach out and connect with people who have similar interests and passions as you.
- Be friendly and hospitable to everyone, but be selective and careful with whom you confide and trust.
- Be a good friend to others by being loyal, honest, and caring.
The Bible says:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
12. Use Your Time Wisely
it is important to use your time wisely. Using your time wisely means managing your time well and prioritizing God’s activities. It also means avoiding or reducing the time spent on things that are unimportant, unproductive, or unhealthy.
Using your time wisely can help you to:
- Accomplish more and achieve your goals and dreams.
- Spend more time with God and grow in your relationship with Him.
- Spend more time with your family and friends and improve your relationships with them.
- Spend more time on your hobbies and passions and enjoy your life.
To use your time wisely, you can:
- Create a schedule or a routine that allows for time with God, work, rest, and recreation.
- Set and follow deadlines and reminders for your tasks and projects.
- Delegate or outsource the tasks that you can’t or don’t want to do.
- Eliminate or limit the time wasters, such as social media, TV, or games.
The Bible says:
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
13. Be a Good Steward of Your Resources
Being a good steward of your resources means managing your finances, possessions, and talents wisely. It also means acknowledging that everything you have belongs to God and using it for His glory and purposes.
Being a good steward of your resources can help you to:
- Honor God and express your gratitude and trust in Him.
- Save and invest your money for the future and for emergencies.
- Give and share your money and possessions with God’s work and with those in need.
- Use and develop your talents and skills for God’s service and for your fulfillment.
To be a good steward of your resources, you can:
- Make a budget and track your income and expenses.
- Save at least 10% of your income and invest it wisely.
- Give at least 10% of your income to your church or a charity of your choice.
- Identify and use your gifts and talents in your work, ministry, or hobby.
The Bible says:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
14. Share Your Faith with Others
Sharing your faith with others means telling others about God and what He has done for you. It also means inviting others to experience God’s love and salvation.
Sharing your faith with others can help you to:
- Obey God’s command and fulfill His commission.
- Spread God’s kingdom and His gospel to the world.
- Lead others to Christ and help them grow in their faith.
- Strengthen your own faith and testimony.
To share your faith with others effectively, you can:
- Pray and ask God for opportunities and courage to share your faith.
- Build relationships and trust with people who don’t know God or are seeking Him.
- Share your personal story and testimony of how God changed your life.
- Explain the gospel and the basic truths of Christianity in a simple and clear way.
- Invite others to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior or to join a church or a group.
The Bible says:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
15. Pursue Holiness
God is holy and to serve him, we have to be holy, to put God first is to pursue holiness. Pursuing holiness means living a life that reflects God’s character and standards. It also means avoiding and overcoming sin and temptation.
Pursuing holiness can help you to:
- Honor God and please Him with your life.
- Experience God’s presence and power in your life.
- Protect yourself and others from the consequences and damage of sin.
- Grow in your likeness and intimacy with God.
To pursue holiness effectively, you can:
- Pray and ask God to help you live a holy life and to convict you of any sin in your life.
- Read and study the Bible and apply its commands and teachings to your life.
- Seek the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit who lives in you and empowers you to live a holy life.
- Confess and repent of any sin that you commit or struggle with.
- Resist and flee from any temptation that comes your way.
The Bible says:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Final Thoughts
Putting God first in your daily life is not a one-time decision or a single action. It is a lifestyle and a habit that you need to cultivate and practice every day. It is also a journey and a process that you need to enjoy and embrace.
By putting God first, you will not only honor and glorify Him, but you will also experience the benefits and blessings of living a God-centered life. You will grow in your faith and love for God, and you will discover and fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.
So, what are you waiting for? Start today and put God first in your daily life. Implement these 15 practical ways and see how God will transform your life and the lives of those around you. You will not regret it.
Prayerclust
