Set a consistent time each day to spend with Jesus. Early morning or evening, children’s nap times, and lunch hours are typical times. If your quiet time is scheduled, you are much more likely to keep it.
Pick a quiet place to meet the Lord that will work for you. Get free from distractions (such as, other family members, telephone, TV, email, etc.). Try to eliminate all sounds such as music that might keep you from hearing from God.
Recognize that you were created to be in relationship with God and He desires to spend time with you.
Start with prayer by asking Him to:
Meet with you
Set aside distractions
Reveal to you His word for today
Bring comfort and clarification for your life
Have your Bible, notebook and pen with you. Read the passage of scripture you have selected for today. Write down some of your observations from your Bible reading by answering the following two questions:
What does the passage say generally (What is it teaching me)?
What does the passage say to me personally (What should I do specifically)?
Write in your journal any other insights, thoughts, fears, concerns, praises, or
feelings you have from your time with Him.
"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the
fingertips."
Respond to God in prayer in the following ways:
Respond with praise and thanksgiving – “I praise you God for…..”
Respond in repentance and confession – “I confess my sin of ……”
Respond by asking for guidance - “Lord, lead me today by…..”
Respond with obedience – “I will obey you in……”
If you miss a quiet time, don’t beat yourself up over it. Realize that you got distracted or chose not to have that time that day. Just start again. The longer you wait to start again, the harder it becomes to make it a regular habit.
If
your quiet time is dry or difficult, try something new. You might change the
Bible version, change your location, listen to the Bible on tape, or change your
routine of reading and praying. Don’t fall into the trap of a routine that
becomes rote. God wants to spend time with. Take a walk or find a new spot to
sit.
What I have discovered is that a life built on this habit brings a deeper connection with God and lasting change. It's a major step on the pathway to spiritual maturity.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV).
Praying Scripture
The Bible is God's love letter to you. Let that sink in for just a moment. It is a revelation of himself and his plans and purposes. The Scripture is central to our understanding of God and intimacy with God.
It delights the heart of our Father when we read His word, sing His word, and even when we pray His word.
In fact, many passages in the Bible are recorded prayers, the best loved being the Psalms For more than 3,000 years believers have used the Psalms as a prayer book for private and public worship.
"Praying Scripture" is using passages of Scripture to stimulate prayer or when we say verses directly back to God, making them the petition of our hearts. There are several benefits that come from praying Scripture:
Praying Scripture keeps our prayer life "fresh". Have you ever listened to yourself pray and find that you pray the same words, phrases, and sentences over and over and over again? The reality is that all of us can get in a rut when it comes to prayer. It can become mechanical, routine, and ritual.
Praying Scripture helps our "spiritual amnesia". We can get overwhelmed by life and forget God's sovereignty, providence, faithfulness, power, and goodness. Praying Scripture reminds us of who God is, what He has done, and what He can still do.
Praying Scripture can help the Bible come alive. It is not just words on a page, but the expression of our heart to the Father. It is not just somebody else's story, but I can be an expression of our hearts toward God.
Praying Scripture can greatly enhance your private worship. Praying Scripture can be some of the most meaningful prayer times you can have.
Praying Scripture can help you to hide God's word in your heart. As you pray it and meditate on it, God's truth gets internalized into your life and its spiritual power takes root in your soul.
Praying Scripture allows you to know and claim some of the great promises of the Bible.
Consider praying some of the following passages and make them your personal prayer.
Psalm 25:1-11; Ephesians 1:3-14; Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Psalm 42:1-5; Ephesians 1:15-19; Psalm 51:1-13; Revelation 5:9-14; Psalm 119:9-24; Psalm 139:1-18
More Tips for a Meaningful Quiet Time