Maybe you already have a daily format for your prayer time. If not, or if you’re looking to change things up a bit, consider the following format:
Begin by settling in to your prayer space and imagine how delighted God is that you have set aside this time on this day. Revel in that delight.
Call to mind one or two small but concrete things from the last 24 hours for which you are thankful. Express that gratitude to God.
Ask God for a particular grace for this time of prayer.
Skim over the reading and questions for the day to get a sense of what is being offered. If something strikes you as particularly interesting or relevant, feel free to skip to that part and stay there as long as it speaks to you.
Do the readings and reflection questions for the day. Journal as it feels appropriate.
When you feel your time of prayer is complete, express gratitude for God’s loving presence. You might like to close with a prayer like the Our Father or Glory Be.
Take some time to think about how your time of prayer went. What stood out? Where was God’s presence most evident? Did God grant the grace you sought? Is there something particular you need to do in the coming day based on your time of prayer? Is there something particular you’d like to do differently in your prayer tomorrow?