Today, let’s put it all together.

Set aside one hour to look back over the last week. Make sure you turn your phone off so that you are free of distraction.

Let’s start by

BREATHING

Take three deep breaths to settle your soul.

When you are ready,

INVITE GOD INTO THIS MOMENT.

Ask God to eliminate the noise and to speak to your body, mind and soul.

SLOWLY READ

Matthew 6:33-35 (The Message)

What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

LOOK BACK

Look back over the last week of your journal. As you read, contemplate your week of slowing.

What comes to the surface?

Was there a theme that emerged?

What is God saying to you about your schedule and pace of life?

ASK GOD A FEW QUESTIONS

What small practices from this week do I need to implement in my day to day life?

What is God prompting me to do daily to develop a deeper connection with Him?

What do I need to remove from my life to create margin for God?

What would the fruit of my life look like if I lived a slower life?

LISTEN

Embrace the silence and fight the urge to speak. Be in the presence of God and listen for his voice.

WRITE IT DOWN

Grab your journal and write down your thoughts and anything God may be speaking to you.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Write a few sentences about what God is asking you to do to begin living at a slower pace. This could be one new step forward or an entire overhaul of your schedule.

One quick word of encouragement - spiritual growth is a journey over a lifetime. The steps you take forward today will be different than the ones you take tomorrow. Today, do your best to limit your intentions to less than three actions.

If you need help, use the series of statements below.

I want to slow the pace of my life to be more present to God and others by ______________, and ____________.

Now, schedule it. Commit to making it happen by first eliminating what needs to from your life and then adding back the practices that will bring spiritual fruit.