How can I remember to do the "little things"

[WhatAKeepah]

I grew up in a non-religious household (well, my parents believe in God but we never went to church or anything) and as such, I never picked up the habits of a Christian. I call them the little things, but I KNOW they really aren't, it's just my way of titling them. Anywho, I'm having a hard time remembering to do the things like prayer when I wake up, before a meal, or go to bed. I realize it afterwards and pray to God for forgiveness and guidance, but I need a way to remember beforehand so that I can get them into my daily routine.

Any ideas would be wonderful.

Thanks for listening!
Alex

 

[jamiepr79]

Hi Keepah

Make it a habit don't skip a day, or keep a journal of your progress, there are also reminders through cellphones and ms outlook

but habit would probably be best

 

[Sketcher]

It's always good to pray at those times, but it's not the worst of offenses if you miss one. The bottom line is you need to pray. I grew up in a religious household, so the prayer before meals and bed is just a natural habit, but I find that if I don't pray while I'm thinking of a need, I'll probably forget to pray about it completely. Just go through your day and as you think of a need for yourself or especially other people, just pray silently in your head. That way you'll get at least one prayer in for your friends or whoever.

To answer your question more directly about bedtime prayer, couple it with Bible reading. That's what the whole bedtime devotion has always been to me, anyway.

 

[BalaamsAss51]

Hello WhatAKeepah.

How marvelous you wish to practice your faith. It is hard to break the habits of a lifetime. Hey, guess what - God forgives you!!!

Different Christians handle things in different ways. The comments you've already gotten on journals and Bible reading might be just the thing. But don't get hung up on "doing". That just might lead you to think that you are "being good" in order to be saved. I hope that never happens.

I'd love to be more specific, but not knowing what group you associate with I'd probably get into trouble. In general, read God's Word. Check out different commentaries - there is a vast difference in opinion out there and it's confusing. Prayer is good, talk with your heavenly Father - don't worry about what or when so much even though after meals, and when getting up in the morning and going to bed at night are great times.

Again, remember you are a sinner as well as a saint. Try your best, know that you will fall short, and never forget that God loves you for Jesus's sake.

Pax

 

[Catholic Wife]

Your post reminds me of St. Therese of Lisieux and her "little way". She had a small string of "sacrifice beads" that she would use to help her count the "presents" she offered to God. Each time she would make a sacrifice such as letting someone else have their way, St. Therese would secretly reach into her pocket and pull a bead to Jesus on the Crucifix. Maybe something like this would help you?

 

[Called2Grace]

Maybe you could put sticky notes in places that could remind you of these things? A picture of Jesus or something near your bedside for when you wake, a prayer card on your tabel when you eat. I must admit I too forget the morning offering, many times I will get to where I am going in the morning before I realised that I have forgotton...

 

[holo]

Umm... why do you feel you should pray at those spepcific times? Did someone tell you it's a rule or something?

God is your father. Your dad. And He'll always be a much better father than you earthly one, so feel free to relax.

 

[millerrod]

If you Love you will have done all things big and small.

 

[dan888]

Sticky notes work wonders

 

[leanne708]

I have a sign next to my bed reminding me to read my daughters the bible. it is a big sign as well as by the fridge and by the television, because I just get lazy some time, its working

 

[holo]

I don't have to use signs to remind me to call my dad.
I don't need sticky notes to remember to talk to my friends.

And if I did, I'm sure they'd feel kind of awkward about it; "hey, doesn't he care enough to talk to me spontaneously?"

I mean, if you don't feel like reading the bible, don't. Why must you? Do you get very much out of it when you're reading it just because you're supposed to? Does it often bless you then?

Being God's child is... well, being God's child. It's not a job. It's a condition. It's your identity. And when you realize that, you'll start talking with Him much more freely. If spending time with God doesn't come naturally, the solution isn't discipline or reminders, but revelation. You need to see that you are His. Talking to God was never supposed to be a drag.

 

[WhatAKeepah]

I don't have to use signs to remind me to call my dad.
I don't need sticky notes to remember to talk to my friends.

And if I did, I'm sure they'd feel kind of awkward about it; "hey, doesn't he care enough to talk to me spontaneously?"

I mean, if you don't feel like reading the bible, don't. Why must you? Do you get very much out of it when you're reading it just because you're supposed to? Does it often bless you then?

Being God's child is... well, being God's child. It's not a job. It's a condition. It's your identity. And when you realize that, you'll start talking with Him much more freely. If spending time with God doesn't come naturally, the solution isn't discipline or reminders, but revelation. You need to see that you are His. Talking to God was never supposed to be a drag.

Wow, while I appreciate an honest answer, I don't appreciate the High and Mighty attitude. I see that you are a respected member around here, so I'm sure that the post was good-natured. Either way, I feel a bit insulted.

As I said, I've never any type of religious upbringing or influence, so it IS difficult for me to remember. I NEVER stated I felt this should be a JOB, in fact, I'm desperately trying to make it my IDENTITY. Day in and day out, I am constantly making changes to my I don't feel that revelation is the answer in this instance.

As for reading the bible, I GLADLY and PROUDLY carry my bible with me most places I go (including work) and read it alot. In fact, since April 8, I've read John, Acts, Genesis, and Exodus. I'm well aware that this isn't an unmatched feat by any means, but I'm proud of the progress I've made. Not just with the reading, but with my life as a whole.

Thank you to everyone else for the tips so far!

Alex

 

[holo]

Hey, it wasn't meant to be condescending at all, in any way, I just felt like getting my point across by being direct and rethoric about it. You know, trying to illuminate my points.

I still hold that you need revelation about these things (not because I know better than you), because I think real truth comes by revelation, not study, and certainly not discipline. I think you need to see who you already are, as opposed to trying to become someone you're not. It's wonderful that you see your life going somewhere, just remember that this is all HIS work and that He will continue it and finish it in due time. It's all a gift, so that we may
not boast
not judge
rest
be free
glorify Him
grow at the speed He intended
grow in the way He intended

I promise you, the more thankful you are, the more naturally pray, thanksgiving, bible study and witnessing will be. It's not something you achieve, it's second hand to a child of God. And you're already a child of God, you're already saved, you're pure, righteous, clean, made whole, you have eternal life, you're a brother of Jesus, you're dead and risen with Him. We all know these things in our heads, the trick is to get it into our hearts.

I guess I'm just saying hang in there, relax, rejoice in what you already are and have, don't beat yourself up. Because God won't

 

[WhatAKeepah]

Hey, it wasn't meant to be condescending at all, in any way, I just felt like getting my point across by being direct and rethoric about it. You know, trying to illuminate my points.

I still hold that you need revelation about these things (not because I know better than you), because I think real truth comes by revelation, not study, and certainly not discipline. I think you need to see who you already are, as opposed to trying to become someone you're not. It's wonderful that you see your life going somewhere, just remember that this is all HIS work and that He will continue it and finish it in due time. It's all a gift, so that we may
not boast
not judge
rest
be free
glorify Him
grow at the speed He intended
grow in the way He intended

I promise you, the more thankful you are, the more naturally pray, thanksgiving, bible study and witnessing will be. It's not something you achieve, it's second hand to a child of God. And you're already a child of God, you're already saved, you're pure, righteous, clean, made whole, you have eternal life, you're a brother of Jesus, you're dead and risen with Him. We all know these things in our heads, the trick is to get it into our hearts.

I guess I'm just saying hang in there, relax, rejoice in what you already are and have, don't beat yourself up. Because God won't

Fair enough, no harm, no foul.

Now that I better understand your point about revelation, I see what you mean about everything being in His design. I never thought of it like that...I guess it's just hard for me to accept that everything takes time and patience, even learning to live for Jesus.

 

[lingjanet]

if you want to remember to read your bible and pray everyday..it is very simple. a few things u can try to do.

1. Place your bible at your bed beside your pillow. This will remember you to read your bible everyday before and after you sleep because each time you are on your bed you will sure see your bible. Make sure nothing is covering your bible.

2. You can draw some sign of prayer like or ..and maybe you can write down bible versus in a piece of paper which it meaningful to you and place all this sign or bible versus on the wall where you can see it clearly.

It will help you my dear.
But one things I am not use to is pray before meal..always forgot to pray :

 

[bfly]

I grew up in a non-religious household (well, my parents believe in God but we never went to church or anything) and as such, I never picked up the habits of a Christian. I call them the little things, but I KNOW they really aren't, it's just my way of titling them. Anywho, I'm having a hard time remembering to do the things like prayer when I wake up, before a meal, or go to bed. I realize it afterwards and pray to God for forgiveness and guidance, but I need a way to remember beforehand so that I can get them into my daily routine.

Any ideas would be wonderful.

Thanks for listening!
Alex

I see you have been given some good advice. But remember you can always pray. The more you grow in God the more you will want to pray also. As you go about your day you will see things and remember to thank God for the things or beauty. While driving it is good to pray. Just you and God. Leave your Bible on your bed and you have to pick it up before you go to bed. In time you will thank God for your meals and it will just come so natural after a while. Sure you will forget sometimes because of things around you, but when you do remember just ask God to forgive you for forgetting and thank Him right then. God tell us to always be ready to pray or to be in a mode of prayer at all times. If you have the desire in your heart, God will help remind you also. Just always be sensitive to the wooing of the Holy Spirit gentle reminders. May you be blessed in every way. God will never leave you.

 

[Catholic Wife]

I grew up in a household like you describe. After 15 years, I still have "relapses" in remembering what you call the "little things". For me, habits are so hard to keep. Someone mentioned sticky notes to remind yourself. I also agree with this (I write myself notes all the time to do other "little things" like call my mother).

One way I remember to pray upon waking and at night is to put a book containing prayers on my clock so I have to move it to shut off the alarm.

Sometimes, especially at work, I am so rushed to eat that I don't remember to say grace until after I've started eating. I simply stop, put down my fork and pray, then resume eating.

I also ask God to "remind" me to do the "little things". He's good at reminding me, and I'm getting better at "listening" to Him.

Finally, remember that God isn't so "legalistic" about what prayers we say and when. The more you pray and praise God, the more natural and easier it will be for you to praise Him all the time.