TL’s Spiritual To-Do List

Getting started in the day is often difficult for me to do. Even more important than getting my body going is firing up my spirit for a connected, empowered day. Here is my* "Spiritual To Do List" of directives, to help me keep my spirit in tune throughout the day. I hope in sharing mine, you may get some ideas for your own spiritual dialogue that helps you to, "continue steadfastly in prayer."

IN THE MORNING
Get grateful – Before you even rise from bed, thank God for life, breath, and another opportunity to live as His representative here on Earth. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Get up – Stretch and breathe, affirming that God’s Spirit has been breathed into you. “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)

Get breakfast – Thank God for the provision to get you through your day, and for the ability to bypass all the unnecessary luxuries and delicacies that others want, but you recognize you do not need. “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” (Proverbs 30:8)

Get wise – Read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month. Thank God for wisdom. “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Get clean – While in the shower, visualize the washing of water and blood of Christ that saves you. Ask for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit to empower you through your day. Acknowledge that His compassions are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23) “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. …Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:7, 10-12)

Get anointed – As you pour on your creams, lotions, or potions, give thanks to God for His ancient decree, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” (Psalm 105:15) Recall your own baptism and remember that, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Get dressed – As you put on your clothes, reaffirm that you are clothed in righteousness, “…for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

THROUGH THE DAY
Get going – Look for God to guide you and be willing to follow His lead. “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)

Get committed – Make sure God is a part of every activity of your day. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Get productive – Make the most of your day, remembering that each contact and every obstacle is an opportunity to demonstrate your faithfulness. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” (Titus 3:14) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

IN THE EVENING
Get forgiving – Make sure you leave whatever grudges and disappointments at the bedside before you retire. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15) “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” (Ephesians 4:26)

Get introspective – Before concluding your day, look back and judge yourself. Commit to God your failures, and leave them for Him to deal with. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)

Get repentant – Confess your sin and return your life, your energy, your very being back over to God, and commit to Him all that you are. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5)


*Note
I wrote this list of directives for myself, and later decided to share it online. It occurred to me that since it appears in directive format, this lends itself to a superior, instructing tone that was never intended. Please remember this is a personal "To-Do" list for me.