We have a close male friend whom I’ve been watching. No, not in the creepy way. I’ve just been  noticing a habit of his since knowing him for over 25 years. He is an early riser. He’s always the first one up in the morning even when we’ve all been out extremely late. He usually has a handful of items with him in the morning: his IPad, his Bible, his phone and a notebook of some sort. I’ve always been curious about this little collection of items but never wanted to pry or interrupt his morning routine. But one morning recently we got to talking and I discovered that most days he tries to set off on the right path with a devotional, perhaps a Bible verse or two and a review of his prayer list. I really admire this quality.

When bad things happen these days, a lot of folks — myself included — send messages on social media like, “I’ll keep you in my prayers” or “praying for you” or even just click on the prayer hands emoji. I’ve been wondering how often I type this, say a quick prayer and move on, never to repeat again. I believe in the power of prayer but find that my busy mind often distracts me from it or more often than I like to admit, I fall asleep midway through the process. That is something that has always bothered me and I’ve wrestled with ways to improve. Gratitude journals felt like another task on my never-ending to-do list. 

It’s important to me to find a way to keep my word when I tell someone, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” As we all know, one prayer for someone is rarely the solution if they are dealing with a long-haul struggle. We have a close friend whose daughter was having shoulder surgery. Those doctors needed prayers, the mama needed prayers and the daughter needed prayers as she healed and recovered. Out of all the lists I make, shouldn’t a prayer list be the ONE list I complete every day?

We met up with our friend recently and I was reminded of his morning routine and his prayer list. If he were here with me as I write this, he would humbly say something about being forgetful, but I know it’s more than that. I like the idea of starting my mornings off right. Could I take my cup of coffee, grab a small stack of items and begin the day checking off prayers and taking in a devotional? In this season of Thanksgiving, it sounds like the perfect habit to start. 

Oh By the Way, I’m keeping you all in my prayers! The OBTW family is now at the top of my written prayer list! I’d love to hear your morning or prayer rituals for even more inspiration. Or any prayer requests to add to my new written prayer list! 

Oh By the Way part 2, All my new followers, I am thankful you are here and stay tuned for the holiday gift guide. I’ve got some great selections for teens, dads and of course the ladies!