I love devotions and read one most mornings, but there’s just no substitute for God’s Word. I want to encourage you to make time in His presence a priority.

There’s just no Substitute for the Bible and prayer. Period.

Here are some practical strategies to help you as you make time to be in His presence.

Make time in His presence a priority.

* Set your phone alarm to 6:30 AM (EST). That’s the time I will be posting. There’s just something about knowing you are joining others in prayer all at the same time.

* Edit the alarm name on your phone to read, “In His Presence.” This will give you a visual reminder when your alarm goes off of the important appointment you are to keep.

* Commit to getting up at 6:30 every morning. Late night or not, don’t miss this. Recently, I was reading in Exodus where God described, in explicit detail, how to decorate the Tabernacle, down to the blue colored loops and artistic, woven cherubim representations on the curtains (Exodus 26). He is a God of order. I believe self-discipline matters too.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Beth Moore from Audacious simulcast said, “Arise. Awake. Live purposefully. Sometimes the devil…roars like a lion. But sometimes, he…sings us a lullaby! Ladies, we’ve got to have active prayer lives! I hear all the time, ‘but I need my sleep’. Yes, I know you do, but hell has come for your family, but never mind, go ahead and sleep 45 extra minutes because you need your sleep. Hell has come for your church, your marriage, your life.”

Ladies, this is not optional. Not anymore.

Read your Bible

* Get your Bible and journal and sit at the kitchen table. Pour your coffee or tea in your favorite mug. This is a pleasant time to meet with God. No room for legalism at this table.

* Ask the Lord to lead you to a Scripture. If you’d like a little inspiration, you can follow my blog where I will be sending a daily Scripture reference as a starting point, if you need it. It will be whatever the Lord lays on my heart; fresh for that day. It will be sent at 6:30 every morning. You can also follow on Twitter to receive the feed.

* Read Scripture from your Bible. Underline, highlight, jot notes in your Bible and record everything on your journal page. Everything. Any other verse that is brought to mind. Write out your thoughts; pour your heart out to God in honesty. Any revelations? Write them. This will serve as an encouragement to you later. You will be surprised at how your own journal will minister to you later on as you remember things you’ve written.

Pray

* Repent. Think. Dig into this. Crave sanctification.

“Let’s have the courage to face the brokenness in our lives and bring it without shame to Jesus.” Beth Moore

“Do not stand for quenching the Spirit. “Without the Spirit, the body of Christ is a corpse.” Beth Moore

* Pray your daily strategic prayers. Pray for your immediate family members (husband, children).

* Pray for other things that have been brought to your attention this week. Pray for your prayer accountability group.

* Thank Him. List the things you’ve written on the prayer page in your journal. You may not spend much time here now because this one should be done all day long.

All day long, thank Him. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

All day long, acknowledge Him. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6