Quite Time

How to have a "Quiet Time"

Author Unknown  

What is a“Quiet Time”?

A “Quiet Time” is a daily personal appointment with God, during which we get away from distractions and meet with God through prayer and Bible study. Through these disciplines God talks to us and we talk to God.
Why is Connecting Daily with God through a Quiet Time so Important?

1. It reminds us that we belong to God.
   Jesus said, “I choose you!” (John 15:16)
   
2. It creates room for God in our busy lives.
   “Be still and know that I the LORD, and wait patiently for him.”
   (Psalm 37:7)
   
3. It builds our relationship with God through regular communication.
   “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God
   and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
   
4. It helps give direction to our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.
   “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
   (Psalm 119: 105)
   
5. It enables to live deep and fulfilling lives.
   My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)
   

I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

What are some Practical Steps to do a Quiet Time?

1. Set some time aside during a day, or every day. Start with about 15 minutes and you work up to 30 minutes and more for each day.
   
2. Pick a place that you want to go to be alone:
   
   • It doesn’t matter where you go (a lake, bedroom, roof, park, etc.). The important thing is that you get rid of all distractions. Get away from people, phones, the internet, computers, anything that would detour your thoughts from God.
     
3. Get your Materials Together
   
• A Bible in a modern version )
  
• A notebook and pen
  
• A songbook, favorite worship tape/CDs & player
  
• A reading plan such as Search the Scriptures (Inter-Varsity Press)
  
4. Follow a Simple Plan

• Relax, Be Quiet before God – ask God to settle your mind and heart and then to become present with you! It is difficult to set aside all the voices in our lives that compete for our attention. Here are some practical activities to help you.
  
  • Bring a pad of paper, and ask God to quickly bring to mind the important tasks that need to be accomplished that day. Write them down and set the pad of paper aside. This practice will allow you to release these concerns knowing that you will return to them later.
    
  • Turn your mind toward God. Think about who he is, what he has done, and your relationship with him. This intentional focusing on God begins your quiet time.
    
• Worship-
  
  • Praise – for who God is.
    
  • Thanksgiving – for what God has done.
    
  • Adoration – express to God your love for Him
    
  • Listen and/or sing a worship song or two to God.
• Bible – Read a section (eg. 6-12 verses), asking God to speak to you through the Word.
  
  • Read slowly, repeatedly, aloud, asking yourself the following questions:

  For what specifically can I offer praise to God (Father/Jesus/the Holy Spirit)?
  What do I see about what God has done for which I can thank Him?
  Is there any example for me to follow?
  Is there any command for me to obey?
  Is there any sin or error for me to forsake?
  Is there any promise for me to claim?

• Write down in your notebook anything you observe and learn from God in the passage.
  
• Pray – Talk to God
  
• About anything you’ve just read in the Bible.
  
• About your requests for others (family, loved ones, Christian friends, non-Christian friends, family and colleagues, our church, government, missions).
  
• About what you need (confession and forgiveness of sin, Christlikeness, daily filling of His Holy Spirit, work, finances, family, relationships, witness).

These are just some guidelines, and not a strict formula you have to follow to get something out of your quiet times. You can start with this model and move on to tweak it to mold into a model that is the most beneficial for you.

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