Every time there’s a transition in my life- a new semester, for example, I have to stop and think about how I am creating “Grace-based rhythms for spending time with Jesus.” (Vacaro, 2022) In my life, a Quiet Time routine has often served as a great way to prioritize spending time 1-on-1 with Jesus, my most important relationship.
Revelation 2:4 warns Christians that they can lose focus on the ONE most important thing- nurturing our love relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In any relationship, if we don’t spend time with someone we say we love, we can grow distant and disconnected.
A Quiet Time is simply a structured daily time of prayer and Bible study- time with just you and Jesus. There are no rules for this. But here are some practical guidelines if a little structure would help you stay connected to God.
- Choose a consistent time of day. I like to sit down with my Bible and journal after I’ve had that first cup of coffee and feel awake, but before I dive into work . Some people choose lunchtime or later in the evening. What time makes sense for you right now?
- Choose a place. Do you like to be outdoors? At the kitchen table? In your favorite reading chair? Pick a place free from distractions if you can.
- Decide on a simple structure. I like short inductive Bible study questions, followed by prayer and journaling. I also like to end with worshipful music. If the weather permits I’ll go for a prayer walk.
- Decide what part of the Bible you’d like to read. Pick something and stick with it for a little while. I often choose based on what I’m already studying with a small group. I like something that helps me dig in to a passage that I can ask the Spirit for help with understanding and applying. I don’t get the same kind of deep engagement just by reading about someone else’s story, which you’ll find in many books with the title “devotional”. I need to enter into the discovery process for myself.
- If you need some resources, here is a short list:
- Quiet Time Bible Guide: 365 Days Through the New Testament and Psalms, edited by Cindy Bunch
- The Quiet Time Companion: A Daily Guide Thru the Bible, edited by Ro Willoughby
- Search the Scriptures: A Three Year Daily Devotional Guide to the Whole Bible, edited by Alan M. Stibbs
- If you are studying Revelation I’ll be posting daily devotions here on this blog.
Ready to Plan? You can write this out in your journal:
My Quiet Time Plan, today’s date
Time of day:
Place:
Structure:
What I’m going to study:
Accountability Partner:
This simple spiritual discipline can be a time of growth, enjoying God’s presence, and resting in His love! Share your tips or questions in the comments below!
