As the world around us gets more frantic and hectic, simplicity and slowing may be more and more necessary for our spiritual, mental and emotional health. Jesus did not rush around, feeling like he had to accomplish just “one more thing.” He knew what he needed to do to please his father and how to love and engage the people around him. The goal of simplicity and slowing is to be able to live with a quiet heart, at peace with God and those around us, engaged fully in each moment.

Learn More About This Practice:

• Sacred Rhythms // Book by Ruth Haley Barton

• The Common Rule // Book by Justin Early

• The Power of Place // Book by Winifred Gallagher

April 2-8: Pick one space in your home to simplify; a specific room, closet, or junk drawer. Keep only the things that are often useful or bring you joy.  Consider blessing others by giving the things away that you have not used in a while.  

April 9-15: Build margin into your activities (i.e. schedule 15-30 minutes of extra time for plans).  Don't rush. Drive the speed limit, walk slowly and contemplate the beauty around you.  Arrive early to appointments and sit quietly. Learn to live each day relaxed.

April 16-22: Find an hour this week to “do nothing”.  Find a beautiful place, turn off your phone, and just sit quietly in God’s presence.  If this is too difficult, ask God to help you think through how you normally spend your time each day.  Is it how He wants you to live?  Is it how you want to live? What can you let go of?

April 23-29: Pay attention to your evening rituals.  Are they bringing you life and restoring your body and soul?  Are you taking time to unwind? Are you slowing down to rest?  What can you do differently to simplify and slow down your evenings?

Fasting is the voluntary denial of a normal function or enjoyment in life (usually food) for spiritual purposes. We do this so that in our deprivation and discomfort, we may experience God and his kingdom in a greater way. In fasting, we're reminded that God is more than enough for us, and that we're dependent on him for everything.

Fasting tells us a lot about ourselves too, revealing that which so easily controls us. This discipline can also provide balance and perspective in a believer's life regarding priorities and non-essentials.

March 5-11: Turn off your computer and put your phone on “do not disturb” for 24 hours (or each evening this week). Every time you want to reach for your phone, pray a short prayer instead. (Try “Lord, help me love you more, or “Help me trust You more,” or ”Lord, may I be satisfied by You alone.”)

March 12-18: Abstain from your favorite “indulgence” this week (sugar, alcohol, chips, coffee, tea, etc.) Ask God to help you delight more completely in His presence and love.

March 19-25: Fast from a meal or three one day this week.  Pray that God would fill you with His Spirit and teach you how to live each day filled with His Spirit.

March 26-April 1: Fast from unnecessary speech this week (venting, long stories, extra talk, negative, critical, or cynical speech). Instead, pray to have a quiet heart, mind, and mouth this week (Read Psalm 131).

This month we practice savoring small portions of God's Word in ways that nourish and satisfy our souls. There are so many beautiful truths in Scripture that sometimes we fly over too quickly and don't take the time to fully meditate upon, letting them sink deeply into our souls and shape us. Do not rush these practices. Savor them like a fine meal with good friends.

If you’re already on a Bible reading plan that you are enjoying, feel free to supplement that plan with any of these practices, but please don’t feel obligated. 

Feb 5-11: Read a short psalm every day slowly, aloud, and at least 2x. As you meditate on it, turn a line or two into a prayer for the day.

Feb 12-18: Read a different experience in the life of Jesus each day. (i.e, read ahead in Book of John, or a moment in Luke 4-19). Close your eyes and take a few minutes imagining yourself in the story. Talk to God about what you imagine, feel, and wonder about. 

Feb 19-26: Ask God to give you a life-changing verse, or use one that has been meaningful to you lately. Write it on your bathroom mirror and/or on a sticky note.  Put the verse in your car, hang it on your fridge.  Meditate on it, pray about it, memorize it.  Ask God to work it into your very being.

Feb 27-Mar 5: Read the first chapter in Ephesians (or 1 Peter, or Romans 12) every day in a different translation. (CSB, NIV, NLT, The Message, etc.)  Write down the different things that stand out to you each day and look them over at the end of the week.  Write down what you learned.      

This practice originated with French Monk, Brother Lawrence, in the 17th Century. The discipline behind this practice is simply becoming more and more aware of the Presence of God throughout your day.

January 8 & 9 - Each morning this week, before you get out of bed, talk to God. Say “Good Morning LORD” and give the day to Him and ask Him to help you sense His presence throughout the day. Each night before going to sleep, thank Him for the day and ask him to remind you of his presence the next morning.

January 15 & 16 - Set a reminder on your watch (i.e. hourly chime) or phone for different times of the day. Pause for 60 seconds and just rest in the fact of His presence.

January 22 & 23 - During this week, as you encounter difficult or uncomfortable situations, remember God is with you and ask for his guidance in the moment.

January 29 & 30 - Spend your driving and/or exercise time with God.  Remember He is with you.  Talk to Him and enjoy His presence.  Put sticky notes on your dash or equipment to remind you.