Guest Article by Mark Virkler:

I have sung “Sweet Hour of Prayer” all my life. And it has left me with a quiet question: is a one-minute morning greeting with the Lord a desecration? Should I feel guilty for greeting Him in the morning, sharing a quick “I love You,” and then heading into my day?

May I suggest: a one-minute morning greeting is more than fine. It is a beautiful place to start.

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What Greeting Patti Taught Me About Greeting Jesus

When I meet my wife Patti in the morning, our conversation lasts about a minute. It goes something like this:

• A big hug
• Good morning
• I love you
• How did you sleep?
• How are you doing?

She responds with similar words of love and affection. Then we pour our coffee and head to our separate offices.

That one-minute connection grounds us for the day. It anchors us in our love, our commitment, and our joy in one another. It feels nice.

I do the exact same thing with Jesus when I first sit down to journal.

Good morning, Lord. I love You. I give You this day. Is there anything You would like to say to me?

Mark, I love you too. Stay tuned to flow as you walk through this day. Now go do the things flowing within you.

And just like that, I am grounded in my love, my union, and my commitment to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — and off to a new day of adventure with Him.

Yes, We Have More Conversations During the Day

Do Patti and I have more conversations during the day? Absolutely. Do I have more conversations with Jesus during the day? Absolutely.

That is the way it is supposed to be.

We live life in flow and in love. It is simple, effective, efficient, natural, enjoyable, and unprogrammed. Yay for a fun and cool life with both my spouse and my divine Lover, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Other Ways People Stay in Conversation with God Throughout the Day

1. LaWanda writes flowery love letters – type in “LaWanda” in the search bar at CWGministries.org
2. Ken journals about Scripture verses – type in “Ken Adrian” in the search bar at CWGministries.org
3. I often explore biblical topics – 10 Pictures Saying Live from FLOW!
4. Ian lists his seven applications of journaling – Click here to see his list
5. Shelley combines the 4 keys with St. Ignatius Spiritual Exercises
6. Speak Your Journaling Back to the Lord
7. You can feast on yesterday’s journaling

Lovers use many communication styles. Each is excellent. Each is wonderful. So celebrate your own.

Don’t let religion legalize your prayer times. A one-minute morning greeting is more than enough. And from there, you can live in spontaneous two-way conversation with the Lord all day long.

Journaling Application — My Emmaus Road Experience (Luke 24:13-35)

Lord, what do You want to speak to me concerning the various ways I am to dialogue with You during the day?

Commune with God by: (1) becoming still, (2) beholding Jesus, (3) tuning to His spontaneous flow of thoughts, pictures, and feelings, and (4) recording this flow. Then test it using Scripture and the hearts of your spiritual advisors. See the full teaching here.