How to have quiet time

If you have been around churches very much, you have probably heard the term “quiet time” or “devotional time.” This is time that is set aside to spend with the Lord in prayer, reading and thinking about his word, according to the Bible.

If you are in the habit of having this time with the Lord, then you know how valuable it is. If you are not having “quiet time,” you do not know what you are missing.

Paul’s heartfelt desire was to “know Christ,” according to Philippians 3: 10-11. Jesus gave us the example of putting aside and spending time with his Father in Mark 1:35. If Jesus needed to spend time with his Father, we need to do it also. Following are some pointers for having a solid quiet time.

First, pick a time that would work best for you either in the morning or at night. Life is hectic for all of us sometimes, so we need to set a time that we can be totally focused on the Lord. Make this time a consistent time so that you can form a solid habit.

Second, pick a certain location where you will have the fewest distractions. If there is a room in your house that is the quietest room, use it. If you have time to have lunch at your office, you can go to your car, eat your lunch and have your quiet time in your car. Wherever that best spot is place your Bible and other material there so they will be there when you go to that special spot.

Third, take your Bible, a pad and a pen and a devotion book if you are using one. You need the pad and the pen to write down what God will teach you. Also, you may want to keep a prayer list of whom you need to pray for.

When you begin your prayer, spend some time asking God to speak to you during your quiet time with him. Let God know that you will be listening to what he has to say and that your heart will be open to his truth.

Next, you should read the Scripture and devotion for the day. You may be reading through a book of the Bible or you may be using a devotion book. You may be reading through the New Testament. Whatever you are reading, you need a plan that will keep you from sitting down and wondering what you are going to read.

Think about the things you are reading and pray about what the Bible tells you to pray about. Spend some time letting all of this sink into your heart and remember the impact that God’s word can have on you.

Finally, when you end your prayer time, think about the people you have prayed for and what God has told you to do next. Always remember that a consistent daily time to spend with the Lord in prayer will greatly enhance your walk with Jesus.

HHJ News