We talk a lot about having a quiet time with God, but not as much about what it is or what it looks like. Although the term isn’t in the Bible, Jesus modeled it for us. Christians use the phrase “quiet time” to describe that regular, intentional time we spend alone with God to foster our relationship with Him. But how do we do that? What does it look like?
Basic Elements of a Regular Quiet Time
So, what’s included? There aren’t any hard and fast rules, but there are some basic elements that are necessary for a quality time with God. Keep in mind, these may look different for different people. One person may write her prayers and another pray out loud. One person may worship God through song with hands raised. Another may fall on her knees with her face to the ground.
- The Bible – This is the primary way God speaks to His people. God reveals Himself to us in the Bible. He shares His purposes, His character, the way He works, and His will for us. We cannot know God, if we don’t know His Word. And we can’t know His Word correctly if we approach it in a haphazard manner. A systematic plan will help us build a habit and keep what we read in the right context. (For more direction see “4 Different Ways to Read the Bible” and “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.“) Meditating or deeply thinking on a Bible passage helps us get everything God has for us in it. (See “5 Probing Questions to Help You Meditate on Scripture.“)
- Prayer – Yes, God already knows what’s on our heart. But He also commands us to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and to pray in every situation (Philippians 4:6-7). When we pray, we block out the world and focus on our Creator. Prayer helps us process our life from God’s perspective. Talking with God helps us align our thoughts and feelings with His. Prayer opens our hearts and our minds to the work of God’s Holy Spirit. (See “The 5 P’s of the Lord’s Prayer.“)
- Worship – God deserves our worship, our praise, our professed allegiance to Him and Him alone. When we worship the one, true God, life and eternity come into the proper perspective and we too find our proper place. (See “4 Biblical Expressions of Worship.“)
- Response – When God speaks, we need to respond. Perhaps we need to adjust our thinking to truths He’s shown us. Maybe we need to respond with praise or thanksgiving. Often we need to confess a sin and turn away from it. Or maybe there is a specific way we need to obey God. (See “4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.”)
My Daily Quiet Time
An example is always helpful, so I’m happy to share with you what my time with God looks like now. It has morphed and changed over the years as my relationship with God has grown and I’ve shifted into new patterns of study and prayer. Although I try to stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading each day, this is the basic format I follow. (And my quiet time always includes coffee.)
The following elements are not completely separate and distinct from each other. For instance, although I begin focused on prayer, prayer also intersperses my Bible reading as I respond to what God is saying through His Word.
- Pray – I start with prayer, specifically praise and thanksgiving to focus my heart and mind on God. Next comes repentance to get rid of anything that stands between me and God. Then I move to petitions. Sometimes I bullet list these requests in my journal as I pray to stay focused. There is always more to pray about than time, so I have a different focus for each weekday. (I “borrowed” this practice from a former pastor of mine!) On Mondays I spend intense time for my family members. Tuesdays are mission needs. Wednesdays are world needs. I specifically pray for my friends on Thursday. Fridays I lift ministry needs. Saturdays and Sundays are open to what’s needed most. And of course, if there are urgent needs it doesn’t matter what day it is! This type of schedule just helps me to remember to pray for everything.
- Journal – I don’t write in my journal every day. But if something significant has happened I want to record it for my own memory and for my family later. I want us to remember how God has worked. Occasionally, journaling is the first thing I do because my mind is too scattered to be still. On those mornings, I need to clear my mind of worries or pressing responsibilities so I can focus on God. (I “borrowed” this from Amy Hale. She refers to it as her daily “brain dump.” Follow Amy on Instagram or Facebook!)
- Bible – I always have a Bible reading plan to follow. For the last decade or so, I’ve had a full year-long plan. It keeps me in the Word regularly and helps me keep what I read in the right context. I also typically use the 4R Bible study method as I read and I use highlighters and study notes to get the most out of what I’m reading. I use a single-column, wide-margin journaling Bible with heavier paper. That way I make my study notes right in my Bible.
- Pray & Respond – I need to do better here. The point of my time with God is not just to listen, but to respond to what He says. Some days I do better than others. God may lead me to repent or follow a specific act of obedience or align my thinking to His truth.
Of course, I’m still learning. I still miss days, but rather than being legalistic about it, I give myself grace and then go right back to it.
How Can I Encourage You?
If you’re struggling to have a quiet time, I’d love to encourage you. (See “11 Tips for a Quality Quiet Time.”) There are lots of resources on my website. And I lead a Bible reading group on Facebook that is a wonderful place for encouragement, learning, and community.
What ‘s your biggest struggle in having a regular time with God?
I love the idea of a different prayer focus each weekday! I have struggled with having time to pray everyday for every prayer need, I am going to prioritize as you gave as an example. Thank you.
Yes, so much to pray about! I found having the focus actually helped me pray more!
Thank you for sharing this divine idea. I’ve been praying for everything every day now, and I will apply your idea to organize my daily prayers.
Glad you found it helpful!