Have you ever attempted to have quiet time then the phone rings, someone knocks at the door or the dog barks? Maybe you tried to pray and you were at a loss for words.
Quiet time with God builds your relationship with Him and allows you to hear His voice more clearly. When you receive a regular dose of His instruction and direction, the challenges before you don’t seem so big anymore and you feel more certain about how to handle them.
1–Find a Place for Your Quiet Time
“…go into your room, close the door and pray….” –Matthew 6:6, NIV
Set aside a place and time where you will have privacy, quiet and no interruptions. Depending on what phase of life you’re in, you may need to ask the Lord to make a way where there seems to be no way.
2-Offer Praise and Thanksgiving During Your Quiet Time
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.” –Psalm 100:4, KJV
Thanksgiving and praise is a wonderful way to begin your prayers. It invites God to come and be a part of your time (Psalm 22:3). You’re asking that His presence and glory fill your life and your situation. As you praise God and speak of His marvelous works, you are reminded of all that God has done, and your faith in God and His plan for you increases.
3-Study His Word During Your Quiet Time
“…meditate on it day and night…be careful to do…all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and…have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV)
The Bible is God’s inspired Word, but more than that, it is your personal how-to book for everyday living. Though most Christians know the importance of being in the Word, knowing where to start can sometimes be the greatest challenge.
Begin by reading the Word aloud during your quiet time. As you do, it will get down inside your spirit and will start to come out of your mouth throughout the day. What you really believe in your heart is what you speak all the time–and what you speak determines what happens in your life (Mark 11:23).
4–Ask God to Help You Understand During Your Quiet Time
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18, NIV)
Finally, as you prepare to study the Scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your understanding so you can comprehend the deep things of God. Then, expect the Lord to do it; expect Him to meet you on the level of your need and reveal His Word to you.
5. Be persistent until you are consistent
Strive for consistency rather than for length of time spent. Try to have a few minutes of quiet time every day rather than long devotional periods every other day.
Expect interruptions. Ask family members to respect your quiet time and turn off any electronic devices that may distract you. Satan tries to prevent you from spending time with God. Plan around interruptions rather than being frustrated by them.
Always remember, God delights in spending quality time with you, take advantage of it!!
