Reclaiming "Quiet Time" | Encouragement
Reclaiming Quiet Time: 1. An Introduction | 2. Discipline and Devotion | 3. Encouragement
Over the past couple of weeks, I have written about reclaiming "quiet time." A time that is intentionally set apart for the purpose of encountering God through prayer and His word; a discipline toward spiritual growth. I have walked through what this time isn't and what it actually is, biblically. Today, we'll look at the practical approach of this time of worship. There are many forms that this time can take and while there's isn't a "one size fits all" formula, there are some things, I think, are important as you approach this discipline.
Whether you're looking at starting "quiet time" or re-starting it, here are 4 things you can do to not only have success, but more importantly to be fruitful.
1. PICK THE TIME
Perhaps it's simply church/Christian culture, but many have often argued that this time of worship is best reserved for the mornings. For starters, don't listen to them. Secondly, for many, yes, the morning's work out best for them because they may be early risers and morning devotions are great ways for them to start the day off right. But not everyone is a morning person so if that's not you, the idea in this section is to merely pick a time--mornings, lunch time, after work, evenings, etc.
The point is that this time is (1) intentional and (2) sacred. Guard this time because it's a time you should look forward to; encountering God through prayer, engaging Him through the Scriptures, and spiritual growth that is practically applied in the daily. Additionally, I'd add that whatever time you pick, know that it can be seasonal. In other words, different stages of life call for changes in schedules so if you know your schedule is changing, don't be afraid to move this time. Here's a quick example: before I was married and was a father, my time with God was always spent best in the evening, after the day was completely done. I loved reading, praying, and writing at night. Now, I look forward to an early bedtime and my time "quiet time" is in the mornings right before breakfast, generally around 7:00 a.m. That works for me, I'm awake enough to function and can concentrate better than I can at 5:00 a.m.
2. BE FAITHFUL WITH A LITTLE BEFORE YOU'RE FAITHFUL WITH MUCH
For some, these posts may have built conviction and so they're pumped about scheduling their time with God for an early Monday morning worship and by Wednesday, they're discouraged and done because they couldn't keep the schedule. Start by doing two things in this section: (1) choose the amount of time--maybe starting off with 20 minutes and (2) choose the amount of days you know you can be faithful with---perhaps starting off with 2 days a week.
While prayer and meditation should be something we do throughout the entire day (1 Thessalonians 5:17), the goal of this particular time is faithfulness. I lead a small group of dudes in a monthly bible study and many of them have to schedule this time in the mornings due to their schedules, but also struggle waking up at 5:00 a.m. everyday, especially when they've never done it or they're brand new parents and sleep is scarce right now. So, we set up, for them, two days a week for a month at 45 minutes- 60 minutes each day. So far, they've remained faithful to that time and have seen fruit in their relationship with God. That's what we're going for: faithfulness. Next month, we'll increase the amount of days.
3. START A JOURNAL
So many have told me they can't journal--it's difficult and can they can hardly see the benefit. In some cases, that may be true; journaling isn't their thing. However, I would argue that you at least try. Especially if you are starting with something like 2 days a week for your "quiet time." The point of journaling is to slow down in order to write and process your thoughts and prayers. It's a fantastic little tool you can use as a way of helping you memorizing scripture and something you can look back to so you can see how God has been at work in your life.
A journal, for me, helps me answer two questions when my mind is going several hundred directions: (1) What has God done? and (2) What is God doing? One of the men in our group hated journaling; he gave it a shot while walking through James and hasn't stopped since. Another uses journaling as a way of helping him remember general things apart from Scripture, it also helps him communicate and articulate his prayers instead of feeling scatterbrained.
4. PRAY
A pastor once told me, "you can't read scripture without praying and you can't pray without using scripture." When you begin to read your Bible, pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you through the scriptures and as you pray, incorporate what His word is teaching you and what has been revealed to you. This is also a great way to improve your memorization of Scripture and to be aware of what is being revealed to you. Prayer is a must during this time--approaching God boldly, in confidence, and as a result of our relationship with the Father (Hebrews 4:16).
There are a ton of resources out there to help you with your quiet time, but all you need is God's Word and to be faithful. This short list are things that are vital to my time and have helped and encouraged me the most. Remember, this time is intentional and we should look forward to it; yes, life and schedules will happen--they're inevitable--but be faithful to protect and guard this time as it's time spent glorifying God and recognizing our need for him.
RECOMMENDED READING: A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller; Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney; New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
