Life can get busy, and it’s easy to let time with God slip away. But if you’re a follower of Jesus, spending time with Him is one of the best ways to grow in your faith. A Quiet Time—sometimes called devotions—is a simple way to connect with God every day. Let’s talk about how you can make this time meaningful, powerful, and life-changing.
What is a Quiet Time?
Quiet Time is a special moment set aside to be with God. It’s when you can read the Bible, pray, worship, and just listen to Him. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” During a Quiet Time, you slow down and focus on God, letting Him guide your heart and life.
Even Jesus set aside time to pray. Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” If Jesus needed time alone with God, we definitely do too!
How to Have a Meaningful Quiet Time
1. Prepare Your Heart
Start by getting ready to meet with God.
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted.
- Turn off your phone and step away from interruptions.
- Take a moment to breathe deeply and focus on Him.
Say a simple prayer like, “Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Open my heart to hear from You today.” Remember James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
2. Read the Bible
God’s Word is your guide for life. The Bible shows you who He is and how He wants you to live. Start small by:
- Reading one book of the Bible at a time.
- Using a devotional guide or reading plan.
- Trying lectio divina—reading slowly and thinking deeply about each verse.
As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to make the words come alive for you.
3. Pray with Purpose
Prayer is talking with God, but it’s also listening to Him. Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Here’s a simple structure for prayer:
- Adoration: Praise God for who He is.
- Confession: Admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
- Thanksgiving: Thank Him for His blessings.
- Supplication: Ask for help for yourself and others.
Don’t rush. Take your time, and even pray in the Spirit if you feel led (Ephesians 6:18).
4. Listen and Write
After praying, take a moment to be still and listen. God speaks in quiet ways, like a soft nudge or a thought in your heart (1 Kings 19:12). Write down anything you sense Him saying.
Journaling is a great way to track what God is teaching you, keep a record of answered prayers, and see how He’s working in your life.
5. Worship and Speak Truth
Spend time worshipping God. You can sing, play music, or simply speak words of praise. Worship invites God’s presence into your Quiet Time.
Speak truths from Scripture over your life, family, and circumstances. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Declare life and victory over any challenges you face.
Expecting God’s Power in Your Quiet Time
When you meet with God, don’t be surprised if amazing things happen! Here’s how you can expect the supernatural:
- Be aware of His presence: Stay mindful that God is always with you, not just in your Quiet Time.
- Pray for healing: Bring any struggles or sickness to Him. James 5:14-15 reminds us that prayer can bring healing.
- Use your spiritual gifts: Ask God to help you grow in gifts like prophecy, discernment, or praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
- Stand strong in faith: Use your Quiet Time to pray for protection and stand firm in God’s promises (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Tips for Staying Consistent
Here are some ideas to help you keep going:
- Choose a time and place that works for you.
- Start small—10 to 20 minutes is a good beginning.
- Follow a Bible reading plan to stay on track.
- Write down your prayers and answers to see how God is moving.
- Don’t give up if you miss a day—just start again.
Why Quiet Time Matters
When you make Quiet Time a habit, your life will change. As you grow closer to God, hear His voice more clearly, and live with more peace and joy. You’ll also be ready to share Jesus with others. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Take the Challenge
Why not try a daily Quiet Time for the next 30 days? It’s one of the best choices you can make for your Christian journey. Start small and be consistent. James 4:8 promises, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
As you seek Him daily, watch how He works in your life. God loves to meet with you, and He’s ready to do amazing things as you draw near to Him.
