The Plunge: Rise & Prime
The first moments of your day are crucial. They determine your mindset, energy levels, and focus. If you start your day in a rush, distracted, or overwhelmed, you’re likely to carry that chaos into the rest of your day. But if you begin with intention, you set yourself up for success. This is where ‘Rise and Prime’ comes in.
The Rise and Prime Routine
‘Rise and Prime’ is about taking control of your morning by following a structured routine that primes your body, mind, and spirit for the day ahead. Here’s how it works:
1. Prayer and Scripture
Begin with prayer. This centers your heart on God and sets a spiritual foundation for the day. Follow with a short reading of scripture. This doesn’t need to be lengthy—just a few verses to reflect on. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” This time is about aligning yourself with God’s will before anything else.
2. Hydration and Hygiene
Take care of your body first thing. Drink a glass of water to rehydrate after the night’s rest. Follow this with your hygiene routine—brush your teeth, wash your face, and wake your body up. It’s a simple act, but it signals to your brain that it’s time to start the day.
3. Movement and Breath
Engage in light physical activity. This doesn’t have to be an intense workout—just something to get your blood flowing. A short walk, stretching, or even a few minutes of calisthenics can do wonders. Pair this with deep breathing exercises to oxygenate your body and clear your mind. 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that “physical training is of some value.” Take care of the temple that is your body.
4. Mindfulness and Mapping
Now that your body is awake, it’s time to prime your mind. Spend a few minutes in mindfulness—this could be meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Reflect on what you’re grateful for and what you aim to achieve today. This leads into your final step—mapping out your day. Review your tasks, prioritize them, and set clear goals. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This is where you align your plans with God’s purpose for your day.
Consistency is key. By following the ‘Rise and Prime’ routine each morning, you create a powerful habit that primes your entire day for success. You move from reaction to intention, from chaos to order. Each step builds on the last, creating a solid foundation that will help you face whatever the day throws at you with confidence and grace.
Reflection
• How do you currently start your mornings? Are they rushed or intentional?
• What steps in the ‘Rise and Prime’ routine could you start implementing tomorrow?
• How might this routine change the way you approach your day, your work, and your relationships?
Application
Starting tomorrow, commit to the ‘Rise and Prime’ routine. Begin with small steps—add prayer and scripture to your morning, or start with hydration and movement. Build up to the full routine. Consistency is more important than perfection. The goal is to create a morning ritual that centers you spiritually, physically, and mentally, setting the stage for a productive and purposeful day.
As always, in Christ, engage, adapt, and overcome.
Remy