The Secret to Spiritual Nourishment

Billy Graham was one of the greatest evangelists in all of history. While I do not know the numbers, it is entirely possible that he preached in front of more people than anyone ever. In Drew Dyck's book, Your Future Self Will Thank You, he recounts a story about Billy Graham's spiritual habits.
 
Dr. Graham was greatly revered. Some people even humorously referred to him as the protestant pope. A title he did not personally find much humor in.
 
When Jerry Jenkins was writing his biography, he asked Dr. Graham about the whole "Protestant pope" label, and Graham wished people wouldn't call him that. Because when he thought of the number of times he had failed the Lord, he felt as low as the floor.
 
Graham was humble, but it was evident that he had a special relationship with the Lord. So Jenkins asked Billy how he maintained his spiritual disciplines. Graham said, "The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing and to search the Scriptures. And I do that." It was so simple yet profound. Jenkins inquired if he really prayed without ceasing, "I do,” Billy responded, “and I have every waking moment since I received Christ at age 16. I’m praying right now as I’m talking to you that everything I say will glorify Christ.”
 
Then Jenkins asked how he searched the Scriptures. Billy said that he always left his Bible open on a table wherever he was staying to remind him to read it. Sometimes he would read a verse or two. Other times he would read an hour or two, but he always stopped to read.
 
Jenkins pressed more and asked how he got back into the habit after he missed a few days. Billy sat back and thought aloud, “I don’t think I’ve ever done that.” He went on to talk about how the Scriptures and prayer were his spiritual nourishment, and he didn't want to miss a meal.
 
Rev. Graham understood how important prayer and the Bible were to his walk with God. He had made them so integral to his life, that they were not a struggle, but automatic. To him, they were like eating or even breathing.
 
Tomorrow we are going to discover one of the most powerful means of self-control: Godly habits. Habits so ingrained in us, they become like breathing. Habits so meaningful, they are transforming.