There’s a Chinese proverb that says “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Here’s a first step to help you start or to use when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

This is how I started and is the first step to help me becoming consistent in my own daily time with God. When I started, my life was filled to the brim with three young children, a full-time job, and lots of other activities, but my spirit needed more. I decided to get up just a little earlier and do this. When I failed to get up, I’d find a little tiny piece of the day when things were a little quieter and follow this process.

Here are the steps for you:

1. Ask God where He wants you to read. It might be a place where you’re already studying or a Bible reading program you’re following or He may remind you of a Scripture passage. Truth Him to take you to the right spot. If you’re led to a short passage, don’t fret. He’s got what you need there. – Make a note of the Scripture reference. There’s no need to write it out.
2. Simply ask God to show you what He wants you to know from that passage. As you read, phrases and ideas will come to mind. That’s Him talking to you as you read. When you’re done reading, make a quick note of what He showed you.
3. Respond to Him and what He showed you. This is your prayer back to Him. Length isn’t important when your heart is sincere, just say all you need to say to Him. Remember, the most important part is the listening and talking, the conversation you having with God (the prayer). You can make notes, but the written record is not required – He takes notes!
4. After you have responded, think about what y’all (God and you) talked about and summarize one action step you can take to put those things in practice or the promise or insight He’s given you. Write it as a succinct phrase. This phrase will be your guide and prayer for the day.

Yesterday, I used this system because it was a full day. Here are the notes I took. They fit on a 4X3 card. I will tape this in my journal.

Simple, consistent conversations with God are best when we are starting or when life gets filled up.