Small Daily Practices, Big Inner Shifts
Sermon Notes: January 25, 2025 Rev. Sheryl Padgett
Key Points for Reflection & Practice
Core Message
Spiritual growth is not instant or dramatic. Faith deepens through small, consistent daily practices that quietly transform our consciousness and our lives over time.
Faith in Unity
Faith is not blind belief or wishful thinking.
Charles Fillmore defined faith as the ability to perceive the reality of the invisible.
Faith is cultivated through practice, not perfection.
Why Small Daily Practices Matter
They may feel ordinary, repetitive, or subtle.
They rarely come with emotional highs.
Over time, they create deep inner shifts that shape how we live and respond.
Daily Practices That Build Faith
Morning Surrender
Before getting out of bed, release the day to God.
Let go of the illusion of control.
Affirmation: “Spirit of God, live through me today. Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions. I trust You with this day.”
Spiritual Reading
Reading The Daily Word centers the mind in Truth and possibility.
Starting the day spiritually shapes what follows.
Affirmations During Daily Activities
Pray while walking, driving, exercising, or doing chores.
Integrates prayer into daily life.
Builds focus, embodiment, and rewires thought patterns.
Listening to Affirmations
Helpful for persistent challenges (fear, forgiveness, habits).
Fills the mind with Truth instead of anxiety or worry.
Meditation
Even a few minutes of silence strengthens faith.
Builds trust in Being rather than doing.
Each return to stillness deepens awareness of God’s Presence.
Mindful Thought Selection
Notice fear-based thoughts and gently choose again:
Lack → Abundance
Unworthiness → Divine worth
Resentment → Forgiveness
Respond Instead of React
Pause before reacting.
Ask if your response aligns with compassion and love.
Conscious response builds spiritual maturity.
Gratitude
A powerful daily faith practice.
“Thank you” shifts perception and opens insight.
End the day by recalling moments of gratitude.
Why Consistency Matters
Small daily practices:
Build habit
Change perspective
Rewire the brain
Increase focus
Deepen connection with God
The Quiet Work of Faith
Over time we become calmer, more resilient, and more trusting.
Deep inner shifts show up in how we live, not in dramatic moments.
Closing Invitation
Focus on what you can practice daily:
One prayer
One moment of stillness
One loving choice
Small daily practices build faith.
Faith, practiced daily, creates deep inner shifts.
Affirmation
Through small daily practices, my faith grows strong. I trust the Presence of God guiding me, sustaining me, and unfolding good in my life.
And so it is. Amen.
Love and Light,
Rev. Sheryl
