Ann Judson’s habits of devotion

I recently finished a great biography about one of the first female missionaries from America to Burma, Ann Judson.  As always, I’m interested in how great men and women of the Lord lived their daily lives.

At about 16 years old, Ann wrote a prayer in her diary about how she wanted “to live wholly devoted to God, and to have every sin in my heart entirely slain.”  She humbly asked God to enable her to keep the following daily habits:

To solemnly devote herself to God when she first wakes up,

Then to read several passages of Scripture,

And to spend as long in prayer as circumstances permit.

Then to read 2 chapters in the Old Testament, and one in the New Testament,

And to meditate on them.

Then to attend to the duties of her chamber (get ready for school?).

If she had no needlework to do she would read in a religious book until school.

At school she would diligently do her work, and let no moment pass unimproved.

At noon she would read a portion of Scripture and pray, and if time, read more in a religious book.

Returning to class, she prayed to always be careful to maintain a humble dependence on God.

In the evening, if she were going to attend a religious meeting or any other place for instruction, she would read a portion of Scripture before going. And if she were staying at home, should would spend the evening in reading and then close the day as she began.

She also resolved to “strive against the first risings of discontent, fretfulness and anger; to be meek, and humble, and patient; constantly to bear in mind that I am in the presence of God; habitually to look up to him for deliverance from temptations; and in all cases, to do to others as I would have them do to me.”

It was a very well written book, and heart wrenching story of an incredible faith in God. If you’d like to read it, you can find it here.

What do you think of her habits? Do you see any you’d like to implement? (I want to try to something similar at noon to reset my mind on God.)