7 S’s to Start Your Day
The 7-S Framework can be found in Leading with a Humble Heart
I recognize many people struggle with where to start when it comes to their morning routine of prayer and scripture reading, often preventing us from developing a habit of carving out time with God. Therefore, I wanted to share a 7 S- Framework for quiet time I attempt to utilize each morning. Feel free to give the framework a try and see if it works for you. If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up, keep going. As the legendary Tony Dungy said, “Yesterday is gone, spend time with God today” (Dungy, 2011)
Framework for Quiet Time with God
Space: Be intentional about creating space to spend time with God and in His Word. If you can, try and wake up a little earlier and spend time in the quietness of the morning. I recognize that will not work for everyone’s schedule, so find what works for you. Like me, I hope you will come to see this as the favorite part of your day.
Mark 1:35- Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Stillness: Now that you have created space, quiet your heart before the Lord. This is where your mind may be running with everything you have to do each day or reflecting on what happened the day before. For some, you will be fighting that feeling that you have too much to do to sit down. Take a deep breath as you start each day in the humble confidence of Exodus 14:14.
Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Surrender: Humility is essential to leadership. As you sit in the stillness, surrender to the Lord in prayer, preparing your heart to absorb God’s Word, recognizing He is in control of everything. Surrender each day by acknowledging we can do nothing apart from God.
John 15:5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Study: Now that you have created space, are still, and have surrendered, dive into the scripture verse(s) and devotional for the day and spend time in the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Scribe: After studying the Word and spending time reading, it is time to write. Journal daily.
Psalm 102:18 - Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.
Supplication: Close in prayer, humbly asking God for his divine help, that he would give you the confidence, strength, wisdom, and discernment you need for each day.
Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.
Serve: Lastly, head out into wherever God has called you to use your leadership gifts, serving Him and others humbly and confidently. God is your strength!
1 Peter 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
I hope these 7 S’s can be an encouragement for you as you prepare to go out and lead!
