Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of your 40-Day Worship Experience. Remember, this journey is about getting to know God on a deeper level. In any relationship, the key is spending time together, and that’s exactly what you are doing each morning when you dedicate the first fifteen minutes to God.

During this time, your primary goal is to surrender your will to His, receive His Love, and grow closer to Him. Notice what Ephesians 3:19 says: “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” The word “experience” here comes from the Greek word ginosko, which implies intimacy or a deep inner knowing. Experiencing the Love of Christ, although it surpasses full comprehension, is your ultimate aim.

Right now, your mind might be racing with your plans for the day, and it might be a challenge for you to slow down and spend fifteen minutes with the Lord. Or, if you’re not a morning person, you might still be trying to wake up, and you could be wondering if this is worth it. Regardless of your personality, push through the moments of resistance and enter into God’s Presence. This is the best way to wake up, and it’s the best way to set your heart and priorities in order before you tackle your to-do list.

The key is not to rush or hurry through this time. It’s not a task to check off your list so you can move on with your day. Pause and savor the privilege and blessing of resting in God’s Presence. Rushing always disrupts intimacy.

One of my favorite thoughts is that God waits all night for us to wake up in the morning so He can meet with us. Can you imagine that? Can you visualize the Creator of the Universe accompanying you throughout the day, watching over you at night, and then, in the morning, waiting for you to awaken so He can be with you again?

Jesus Himself exemplified the importance of unrushed time alone with God throughout His ministry. Mark 1:35 describes how He withdrew early in the morning, before daybreak, to a quiet and solitary place to pray. Imagine Jesus communing with His Father, receiving instructions, Grace, Favor, and Power for the day ahead. Then imitate that. Put yourself in the same posture of waiting, closeness, and trust. If you feel discouraged or anxious this morning, surrender your will to His. Let Him infuse His Strength within you. Envision being held in His Arms and walking hand in hand with Him throughout the day.

As you begin Day 2, keep your journal handy so that when God speaks, you can capture the divine insights you receive.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does knowing Christ’s Love affect your closeness and relationship with Him?
2. Why is it helpful to give your plans to God at the start of the day?
3. Think of a time when you felt especially close to God. What made it so special, and how can you bring that into your 40-Day Worship Experience?