HOW TO HAVE A QUIET TIME

Quiet Time – 101

“How To Have A Quiet Time”

1.     Make a personal quiet time the TOP priority of your day.

Most of us deal with pretty much the same routine every day.  Granted, there are little events that can change our schedule, but when you lay down tonight you have a good idea of how the next day will go.  Select a time that fits your schedule to spend with God and Him alone.  For some it may be first thing in the morning.  Others may find bedtime to be more suitable.  No matter what time you choose, make it a time when you can be consistent.  Make it a time where on a bad month you may only miss 1-2 appointments with God in a month.  When you miss a time, catch up.  The more you are consistent, the easier it will become.  It is a proven fact that if you do something for 21 days in a row at the same time and in the same fashion, it will become a habit.  Make a time and stick to it!

2.     Select a place for your quiet time that is free of distractions.

This may seem like a difficult step, but it really isn’t if we are just honest and plan ahead.  Once you have decided the time, it should already point you to a place where it can be done.  Find your place, gather your materials (Bible, Pad, Pen, Ect.) in advance and plan for that space to be yours and yours alone for that period of time.

3.     Develop a balance plan of Bible Reading and Prayer.

Always open with prayer and ask God to speak to you as you read.  But don’t go into reading the Bible without a plan.  There are many Bible reading plans that are available on-line that are easy and free.  Ask around and pray about where in God’s Word He wants you to be.  As you read through the Word, stop every few verses and make notes while praying about that particular section and asking God “What are you wanting to say to me here?”  Pray in response to the Scripture you have read and allow God to speak.

4.     Be PERSISTENT until you are CONSISTENT!

At first, strive for consistency rather than for a length of time spent reading.  Start off with a goal of a few minutes each day in your selected block of time in your schedule.  As you become persistent making sure that every day you are making the time, God will enable you and give you the desire and understanding to do more, and more.  Gradually add to your time with God as you grow more accustomed to listening and talking to Him.

5.     Focus on the PERSON you are meeting rather than the habit.

Think about the person you admire the most.  If you had a scheduled meeting or date with that person, nothing would stand in your way of keeping the appointment and making sure that they were your total focus while you were there.  Does God deserve any less?  Of course not!  So when you come to this quiet time, let nothing keep you away, let nothing distract you from meeting with God.  He has designed you for FELLOWSHIP with HIM!  Don’t miss your date!