There’s only so much we can control about what happens in our daily life. Even the most prepared and organized people are subject to forces beyond their control. However, there’s one thing we can do, no matter what happens: live our day in God’s presence.
This habit will radically change the way we experience our day and the way we react to the things that happen. Remembering that God is always with us and loves us and wants what is best for us, we’ll accept the events of the day with gratitude, peace, and trust, even when they’re hard for us. And asking God for his protection and the saints for their intercession can only help!
Here are some simple things we can incorporate into our daily routine that will help us keep God in mind and recognize the blessings of each day.
1Morning and night prayer
Offering a greeting and a prayer to God when we wake up makes a difference in our day, as does making time for God at nightfall. This way, the first thing we think about is God, and when we go to sleep, the last thing we do is talk to him. We can thank him for each new day and for the blessings he has given us during the day that has ended. Beginning and ending the day with God in this way helps us anchor our lives on the rock of our salvation (Ps 62:6-7).
2Use holy water
It’s recommendable that we keep the sacramental of holy water in our homes. We can sprinkle our home with it regularly while saying a prayer, such as an Our Father and three Hail Marys. We can also bless ourselves with it whenever we enter or leave the house.
We can also carry holy water in our purse or our car so we can take it with us wherever we go, even to work or on trips. Small containers of holy water are often available at churches. Alternatively, we can buy holy water bottles at religious article stores and fill them at the parish. We can even just use a regular bottle, fill it with water, and take it to our parish priest to have it blessed.
3Use Catholic jewelry or other sacramentals
Wearing a crucifix, scapular, or holy medal or bracelet with religious meaning throughout the day can make a difference. These items aren’t magic amulets or charms that protect us no matter what we do. However, they remind us of our faith, God’s promises to us and our commitments to him, and the intercession of the saints. They can help us keep our faith alive, encourage us to pray, and express our Catholic identity wherever we go.
Carrying a rosary is also a great reminder to actually pray it. If we leave it in a drawer or on the shelf it’s easier to forget to take it in hand and use it.
4Say grace before meals
Before each meal, we should say a short prayer and thank God for the food he has placed on our table. This will also help us cultivate the virtue of gratitude and encourage us to be generous when sharing food with our family or friends.
5Make the sign of the cross when passing a church
In the past, when passing in front of a church, people would cross themselves to greet Jesus, remembering that he’s present in the tabernacle. Even if someone was wearing a hat or cap, they would remove it as a sign of respect.
Over time, this custom has been forgotten, but we can revive it!
6Visit the Blessed Sacrament
We know that, in general, our daily routine is very busy and full of responsibilities. However, dedicating a few minutes to the Blessed Sacrament should be a priority in our schedule.
We can set aside a moment to visit Jesus, taking advantage of our free time. If there’s a church near our workplace (or on our commute), we can stop in during our lunch break or on our way to or from work.
Whenever we have the opportunity to visit Jesus in a church or chapel, we shouldn’t hesitate to go in! God is always waiting for us with open doors.
Many places have perpetual adoration chapels, which are open 24 hours a day. They can usually be found by searching on the internet; there are numerous online directories and search engines specifically for adoration chapels in the USA and Canada, among other countries.
7Pray on the way
When we get in the car, we can say a prayer to Jesus and the Virgin Mary so that they may accompany us on your journey. Whether we’re traveling alone or with others, by car or public transportation, offering up our journey is a great way to ask for divine protection and for peace and equanimity during the most hectic commutes.
Accompanied at all times
These meaningful and simple steps can help us strengthen our faith and recognize the many blessings God has in store for us, even in the midst of your daily routine.
