Start With God Before You Start Scrolling

By John Joseph

If you’re anything like me, your phone is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you touch at night. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, I’ve noticed something in my own life—it’s really easy for my phone to get my attention before the Lord ever does.

What starts as a quick check of email or social media quickly turns into anxiety about the day, comparison with others, or distraction from what matters most. And before I know it, my desire to spend time with God in prayer has already started to fade. The problem isn’t just distraction; it’s formation. The habits we practice daily are shaping who we become.

When Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6, He’s not just giving us words to say; He’s showing us how to begin our day. We start by focusing on God: His name, His kingdom, His will. Before we think about everything we need to do, we remember who He is and ask for what we need. Prayer isn’t about performance; it’s about re-centering our lives around the Father.

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is to create space for that to happen. Not out of obligation, but out of wisdom. For me, that looks like getting outside in the morning, walking, and praying: starting with who God is, then bringing my needs to Him, then praying for others. It doesn’t have to look exactly like that for you, but it does need to be intentional.

And prayer isn’t just something we do once and move on from. It’s something we carry with us throughout the day. Quick prayers before meetings. Prayers for our families. Prayers in the middle of ordinary moments. We’re reminded again and again that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

The reality is, prayer isn’t easy. Everything in us fights against it. But the reward is worth it. Because through prayer, God is not just answering requests, He’s shaping us into the image of His Son.

So before you reach for your phone tomorrow morning, pause. Start with God. Let Him set the direction for your day.