Some ways to have quiet time,
Over the years, I have come to realize that quiet time is very important for the christian growth.
I remember when I was first saved, my really good friend told me that this is very important.
She was discipling me, and this was the first thing she drove home to me. You need to block out time in your day to spend with God. Its imperative for growth and a relationship with God. Ideally, everyday would be great, and is MOST effective, and a great goal, especially for new believers; but don't let it discourage you if you aren't able to have alot of time, just do what you can to begin with; and over time, the quiet time will have different looks. Some days quite awhile, some, not much time at all. God knows our hearts and our schedules. But knowing that He wants this time with you, will help you to try harder for that time with him!
In this busy world, it might seem impossible. But priorities take pre-eminence in our lives. If its important to us, we will make time.
I had 3 children when I first became a christian. 6,4 and 2. And I was laid off from my factory job right after I decided to trust Jesus with my life.
I figured he had a hand in that situation. I was pretty much in need of a full overhaul spiritually,
( since my spiritual knowledge of Jesus was at 0) and my factory friends didn't understand.
So, I had time each day to read Gods Word and pray and watch different preachers on T.V.
I must say, I was so hungry for direction, and encouragement and wisdom for my life, I ate it up!!
My close friend helped me so much, with advice, but more than that, she had a listening, non - judgmental ear. God knew what I needed, and in many ways, she was very helpful. She had her own
library of books that she lent to me. Many of peoples testimonies of their lives B.C. and A.D.(life before Christ and after trusting Christ)
In those days, I was learning so many things about how to be a better wife, and mother and how to love others. God was making me a new person, and He is still showing me things that I need to work on to be like Jesus. I always feel better after I have spent time with God. My spirit is encouraged, my attitude is better, I have more energy for the day. I covet that time, and I believe you will too!!
Here are a couple of ways to start a quiet time:
First,figure out WHEN its best for a time with God. I am a morning person, and I am my best then. Some people read at night,its totally up to the person when is the best time. But I have found, if I don't start my day with a quiet time, it doesn't happen at all. There is too much other stuff on my mind, and things I need to be doing in my day. After you have determined when, next you need to find a spot where you can be away from noise and distractions.
I have a chair, very cozy and my Bible and books in a shelf close by. This can be where ever, just so you can be alone with God.
In times past,I have tried different places to read and absorb. I've sat at the kitchen table, read in my bed, or on my back deck in the summertime, but my favorite place in in that cozy chair with a cup of coffee and my Bible. Lately, I have added soft classical music( very low volume) ( David Nevue, or Paul Cardall on Pandora) with this time, its calming and helps me focus while I read.
I have used this outline from time to time, easy to remember:
ACTS
Adoration- praising God for Who He is and all Hes done.
Confession- asking for forgiveness for sin
Thanksgiving- for things He is doing or things or situations where He is working and answering prayers
Supplication- prayers for needs, situations, people
Its ideal, again to have a notebook( I have a prayer journal I use in mine) and a Bible.
A devotional is very helpful also, I have used many different devotionals , but I enjoy Charles Stanley's InTouch magazine devotional the most., I have received it in the mail for many years. Its free, and he's is wonderfully encouraging with a great ministry.
If you like, you can also have a devotional online. I prefer a paper booklet, but if you like online, You can also get InTouch devotional online at Intouch.org. and you can listen to
Charles Stanley daily if you like. He has a 15 minute preaching daily on this website.
Please understand that this is not to say that you cannot pray and talk to God anywhere or any time, but quiet time is a great time to be more focused.
In the days ahead I will share how I use a prayer journal...
I remember when I was first saved, my really good friend told me that this is very important.
She was discipling me, and this was the first thing she drove home to me. You need to block out time in your day to spend with God. Its imperative for growth and a relationship with God. Ideally, everyday would be great, and is MOST effective, and a great goal, especially for new believers; but don't let it discourage you if you aren't able to have alot of time, just do what you can to begin with; and over time, the quiet time will have different looks. Some days quite awhile, some, not much time at all. God knows our hearts and our schedules. But knowing that He wants this time with you, will help you to try harder for that time with him!
In this busy world, it might seem impossible. But priorities take pre-eminence in our lives. If its important to us, we will make time.
I had 3 children when I first became a christian. 6,4 and 2. And I was laid off from my factory job right after I decided to trust Jesus with my life.
I figured he had a hand in that situation. I was pretty much in need of a full overhaul spiritually,
( since my spiritual knowledge of Jesus was at 0) and my factory friends didn't understand.
So, I had time each day to read Gods Word and pray and watch different preachers on T.V.
I must say, I was so hungry for direction, and encouragement and wisdom for my life, I ate it up!!
My close friend helped me so much, with advice, but more than that, she had a listening, non - judgmental ear. God knew what I needed, and in many ways, she was very helpful. She had her own
library of books that she lent to me. Many of peoples testimonies of their lives B.C. and A.D.(life before Christ and after trusting Christ)
In those days, I was learning so many things about how to be a better wife, and mother and how to love others. God was making me a new person, and He is still showing me things that I need to work on to be like Jesus. I always feel better after I have spent time with God. My spirit is encouraged, my attitude is better, I have more energy for the day. I covet that time, and I believe you will too!!
Here are a couple of ways to start a quiet time:
First,figure out WHEN its best for a time with God. I am a morning person, and I am my best then. Some people read at night,its totally up to the person when is the best time. But I have found, if I don't start my day with a quiet time, it doesn't happen at all. There is too much other stuff on my mind, and things I need to be doing in my day. After you have determined when, next you need to find a spot where you can be away from noise and distractions.
I have a chair, very cozy and my Bible and books in a shelf close by. This can be where ever, just so you can be alone with God.
In times past,I have tried different places to read and absorb. I've sat at the kitchen table, read in my bed, or on my back deck in the summertime, but my favorite place in in that cozy chair with a cup of coffee and my Bible. Lately, I have added soft classical music( very low volume) ( David Nevue, or Paul Cardall on Pandora) with this time, its calming and helps me focus while I read.
I have used this outline from time to time, easy to remember:
ACTS
Adoration- praising God for Who He is and all Hes done.
Confession- asking for forgiveness for sin
Thanksgiving- for things He is doing or things or situations where He is working and answering prayers
Supplication- prayers for needs, situations, people
Its ideal, again to have a notebook( I have a prayer journal I use in mine) and a Bible.
A devotional is very helpful also, I have used many different devotionals , but I enjoy Charles Stanley's InTouch magazine devotional the most., I have received it in the mail for many years. Its free, and he's is wonderfully encouraging with a great ministry.
If you like, you can also have a devotional online. I prefer a paper booklet, but if you like online, You can also get InTouch devotional online at Intouch.org. and you can listen to
Charles Stanley daily if you like. He has a 15 minute preaching daily on this website.
Please understand that this is not to say that you cannot pray and talk to God anywhere or any time, but quiet time is a great time to be more focused.
In the days ahead I will share how I use a prayer journal...
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