Sacred Order | Your Nightly Prayer

The Psalmist reminds us that seasons are short! I'm not sure about you, but I need this reminder tattooed on my hand almost every day. As tonight's prayer and devotional remind us, we're encouraged here to allow God to teach us, indicating that we can't do it without Him. Parenting, marriage, and family don't come with a manual.

Asking God to teach us invites Him in and allows us to depend on Him to fill in the gaps that we often feel in our day-to-day lives. Our days are numbered - our kids proliferate, the circumstances we face come and go, and we don't always get a "later."

To number our days means prioritizing what matters most: connection over busyness and relationships over tasks. Prioritization can be challenging at any time. I remember well when our kids were small - there were dishes, dirty laundry, and dinner to attend to. Everything felt like a task - I remember well having to say, 'Much of this can wait to read a story, listen to a tall tale, or build a block tower.' On those days, all was well with my soul. It was on the days when the tasks were trumped that I felt drained, purposeless, and longing for a different outcome.

Truly making the most of our time together helps us build intentional moments —such as family meals, bedtime prayers, and long walks — so that the days don't slip by. The last part of this verse reminds us to apply our hearts to wisdom.

Wisdom is choosing what lasts. Shaping hearts, speaking blessings over each other, and modeling the love of Christ. This verse, in essence, reminds us to slow down, maximize what's important, and gain the life God intended.

So tonight, as life feels out of sorts, lacking order and routine, fix your eyes on His Word. It helps us create the culture and framework that allows us to reflect and course correct. It's never too late—tomorrow is a new day.

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus,
Help me to number my days. Help me maximize the sacredness of my home, so that I may steward my children in a way that brings you glory and honor. My desire is not to "make it" day after day- but to maximize those things that are most important. Thank you, Lord, for being my teacher- thank you for that still small voice that leads, guides, and directs my steps. Thank you for tomorrow- together, we can begin again.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE ON

1. Where am I rushing where I need to be relishing?

2. What wisdom is God inviting me to apply in my parenting, my marriage, my home? 

3. If my days are numbered, what do I need to prioritize differently tomorrow?