Forming devotion, reading, and prayer habits

I don't even think that I could say I'm Christian anymore, in fact. I don't go to church, I haven't touched my bible in months, and I only pray rarely. I've been thinking about picking up the good ol' bible and trying to add some prayer back into my daily life but I'm struggling with it.

I have a couple books (one is a journal with quotes from the bible and the other is a daily devotion book with space for writing) that I keep thinking I should leave out and use and therefore try to incorporate it more into my life and then.... I play video games and forget about it. Yes, my priorities are slightly off.

In any case, I have problems with it as well. I wish I had the will to work on those habits.

I don't even think that I could say I'm Christian anymore, in fact.

-"Nichole"

Yes, exactly! Sometimes I feel like I'm on the verge of finally crossing some line and getting kicked out (if I haven't already).

In your case, I'd definitely suggest getting yourself into a church. Just forming that weekly (or twice- or thrice-weekly, if you care to) habit can go a long way toward getting yourself back on track.

I have trouble staying consistent too. I created a morning routine for myself that involves prayer, a short inspirational reading, and reflection for the day ahead (usually speak to myself in a mirror). I also have a similar evening routine.

I notice that my happiness and life in general are much better if I stick to this routine. When I'm not consistent, then things are just very good, instead of AWESOME. My sleeping habits have been changed lately and I think that's one reason why I've been lacking. Thanks for the reminder, Fekket. I need to kick myself in the ass.

I haven't been to church in about two months. I'm not really a baptized Christian anyway, but I still go to a church sometimes because my friends go and I like the people there. It's just kind of a long drive, and that just gives me another excuse to be lazy on Sunday mornings.

It's just kind of a long drive, and that just gives me another excuse to be lazy on Sunday mornings.

-"Jon"

Thats why I'm not involved in a church as is as well, actually. The nearest church is a 20 minute walk away, which isn't bad but it isn't exactly easy to get there first thing in the morning (the first time I went it was pouring rain, lol). And its a pentecostal, which is no big deal but I'd rather go to church and focus on the sermon rather than the music. Country side, quiet type church for me!

In any case, I think I'll kick myself in the butt since the next monthly habit is coming up. Prayer has always been really big in our family so... yeah.

Haha, I know what you mean about the music. I've been to ONE Pentecostal church (technically it was an annual meeting between three churches) and quickly realized I don't have the energy to do that regularly. After three hours I was exhausted. I'm with you, I'll stick to quiet little Southern Baptist churches.

I'm lucky enough to live right near one, but out here in the mountains, 'right near' is three miles, and I can rarely get a ride, so I miss a week or two at a time. Hopefully, when I move out, I'll be able to start going to one regularly - if I can find one as awesome as this little country church.

IIRC, the first Monthly Challenge I ever did was to pray every morning. That didn't last long. Maybe I need to try that again. It's almost July, after all . . .