Daily Devotions: A Habit for a Lifetime
Honoring the Legacy | For Seniors 70–90+
Sylvia’s Story
The story of Sylvia, a sweet 82-year-old lady, came to me one quiet morning.
She was sitting in her favorite chair with her old Bible on her lap. Sunlight came through the window. “I have met with God every morning for sixty years,” she said.
Her Bible showed many years of use. Many verses had lines under them. She had written notes in the margins from a long time ago. The pages were soft because she had turned them so many times.
“Some mornings I have strong faith,” she said. “Other mornings, I am tired and find it hard to pray. But I always show up. And God is always there.”
Your Life of Faithfulness
Do you meet with God every morning? Have you done this for many years or maybe for decades?
If so, you have a beautiful gift. You have a testimony of faithfulness. Your habit speaks loudly. You prove that it is possible to walk with God through every season of life. Younger people are watching you. They wonder: “Can I really stay close to God for my whole life?” Your life answers: Yes, you can. Not because you are perfect, but because God is faithful.
What This Habit Gives You
1. A Strong Foundation Sylvia’s life had many hard times. Her husband died young. Her son had many struggles. She had survived cancer.
“Every crisis sent me to my knees in prayer,” she said. “But I already knew how to pray. The habit was already there. My relationship with God was deep.”
Daily devotions did not stop the hard times, but they prepared her for them. When the storm came, she already knew the way to God’s peace.
2. A Deeper Friendship with God “I know God differently now than when I was young,” Sylvia explained. “Back then, I knew about Him. Now, I know Him.”
This closeness only comes by showing up every day for many years. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22-23: God’s mercies are new every morning. You have seen this truth thousands of times. Every sunrise brought God’s help.
3. Wisdom That Grows Slowly Proverbs 9:10 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Your years of morning prayer have been a “workshop.” God changed how you think and how you trust. This did not happen in one day. It happened slowly, through daily faithfulness.
How the Habit Changes as You Age
Morning devotions at age 82 look different from those at age 25.
- Your Energy Changes: Sylvia used to read for an hour and write many notes. Now, she reads a few verses or one Psalm. “My eyes get tired,” she said. “But God meets me just the same.”
- Your Understanding Deepens: You read the same verses you read forty years ago, but now you understand them better because of your life experience.
- Your Prayers Shift: Young parents pray for their children. Seniors pray for health, for their grandchildren, and for courage. The habit stays the same, but the prayers change.
Advice for the Younger Generation
What would you tell a young person who wants to start this habit?
- Start Small: Start with five or ten minutes. It is better to do a short time every day than a long time only once a week.
- Stay Consistent: It is okay if you miss a day, but try not to stop. Show up even when you are tired. The habit will carry you when your feelings are weak.
- It is Never Too Late: Even if you are 70, 80, or 90, you can start today. God has new mercies waiting for you tomorrow morning.
Practical Tips for Seniors
- Have a Special Place: Sit in the same chair every morning. This helps your mind and body know it is time to pray.
- Keep It Simple: Use a large-print Bible or listen to the Bible on audio. You do not need to do difficult study. Simply being with God is enough.
- Don’t Worry About Distractions: If your mind wanders, gently bring your thoughts back to God. He is patient and kind with you.
Your Faithful Life Matters
Your decades of morning prayer are a treasure. You show the world that a relationship with God can last a lifetime.
Psalm 5:3 says: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice.”
Think About This This Week: If you have followed God for a long time, thank Him for His faithfulness. Then, share your story with one person. Tell them why you still meet with God every morning. Your words might be exactly what they need to hear.
Questions to Talk About:
- How has your prayer life changed since you were young?
- What is one verse that has helped you through a hard time?
- What is the best part of meeting God in the morning?
Bible Verses:
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – God’s mercies are new every morning.
- Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
- Psalm 5:3 – In the morning, God hears my voice.
- Mark 1:35 – Jesus prayed early in the morning.
Helpful Books:
- Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.
- Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline.
Use this Simple “My Morning Prayer Guide
