Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Finding the Time & Place for Quiet Time

The time you spend with God is the most important part of your day.

When and Where you meet him is important. Consistency matters in both cases.

Mark 1:35 says that “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”.

Just because Jesus got up early to pray doesn’t mean you have to.

The key is this:  Give God the best part of your day. It's the time of day you’re the freshest - morning, afternoon or night.

Most importantly, give God the best part of your day and schedule your quiet time into your day like you would any appointment.

Start slowly. If you’ve never had a quiet time before, start with five minutes. Start small and let it grow gradually. Eventually, plan for 15 minutes each day. Who doesn’t have 15 minutes?

Find a special place to meet with God. Jesus had a special place to meet with the Father.

Luke 22:39 says, “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him”.  It was Jesus’ usual habit to go to the Mount of Olives. He had a regular place where he went and prayed.

What kind of place should you look for as your “regular place”?  It should be:
  • Secluded:  Look for a place where you can be alone, where it’s quiet, and where you won’t be interrupted.  A place where you can pray aloud.
  • Consistent:  Make it the same place every day.
Talk About It
  • Take time now to identify your “when” and “where” for your quiet time.
  • Share it with a close friend who will hold you accountable.
  • What are the parts of your day to which you can give attention.  Put your quiet time at the top of that list.
- R. Warren