Section 16. How should the Teacher of God spend his day?

a) “To the advanced teacher of God this question is meaningless. ²There is no program, for the lessons change each day.” (ACIM, M-16.1:1-2)

b) “But what about those who have not reached his certainty?” (ACIM, M-16.2:1)

c) “At the outset, we can safely say that time devoted to starting the day right does indeed save time.” (ACIM, M-16.3:4)

d) “After completion of the more structured practice periods (of the ACIM Workbook), which the workbook contains, individual needs becomes the chief consideration.” (ACIM, M-16.3:8)

e) “…let him but remember that he chooses to spend time with God as soon as possible (when he arises each morning) and let him do so.” (ACIM, M-16.4:3)

f) “The same procedures should be followed at night.” (ACIM, M-16.5:1)

g) “There is one thought in particular that should be remembered throughout the day. ²It is a thought of pure joy; a thought of peace, a thought of limitless release, limitless because all things are freed within it.” (ACIM, M-16.6:1-2) This is why we practice continuous prayer: “Be still and know that I am God.”

h) “…his success depends on his conviction that he will succeed. ⁴He must be sure success is not of him, but will be given him at any time, in any place and circumstance he calls for it.” (ACIM, M-16.8:3-4) We must remember our success does not depend on our individual effort but on our continuous willingness to accept the strength of the Force operating through us. Ask for His guidance, His strength, and His success.

i) “There is no substitute for the Will of God. ²In simple statement, it is to this fact that the teacher of God devotes his day. ³Each substitute he may accept as real can but deceive him. ⁴But, he is safe from all deception if he so decides. ⁵Perhaps he needs to remember, “God is with me. ⁶I cannot be deceived.” (ACIM, M-16.10:1-6)

Integrating Vedanta with ACIM we have come up with The Five Daily Practices that demonstrate our willingness to connect with our Creator and each other in the spirit of Oneness:

1. Contemplation & Meditation – sit still, start with our opening prayer, and recall our intention (our willingness to experience the Holy Instant) and the means of attainment belief, faith, and vision. Express gratitude for the wonderful experiences we have been blessed with. Meditate by visualizing that circle of Divine Light in our mind.
2. Continuous Prayer – repeat our ACIM Mantra: “Be still and know that I am God.” Do this when taking a shower, washing dishes, cooking a meal, walking your dog, driving your car, and when you are do all those tasks that require less than 10% of your brain. This will enable us to choose wisely when confronted with a situation.
3. Read ACIM and Other Inspirational Books – In the evening before you go to sleep, spend some time reading this inspirational knowledge, it is part of the reprogramming process.
4. Share what you are reading with others – As the Course teaches an idea shared with others is strengthened in our minds. The whole advertising industry knows this very well. Participating in ACIM study groups provides one with opportunities to share experiences when we put these ideas into practice.
5. Perform Miracles – Extend unconditional love, perform works of selfless service, and practice forgiveness as taught by the Course.

Doing these five on a daily basis becomes your expression of willingness to wake up and connect with our Creator to grant you the experience of Oneness – ‘God takes the last step.’