How Do I Have a Quiet Time?
GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
One of the most important truths of God’s word is the fact that God loves you and wants to grow closer to you. That was the whole point of Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus died on the cross so we could have an intimate and personal relationship with God. How do we grow in our relationship with God? Just like our human relationships, we grow closer by communication and time. We communicate to God by talking to Him in prayer, and God talks to us through His Word, the Bible. The more you spend time with God, the closer you will grow in your relationship with Him. Here are a couple of tips to help you get started.
Time with God
Find a place where you can spend time with God that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted or distracted. Most people have found that the best time to spend time with God is in the morning before their day begins and when things are quiet. This helps set the tone for the day and starts things out on the right track. However, if mornings are not good for you, then identify a time that works best for you and commit to it.
Talking to God
Like other relationships, God wants to hear from you through prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to pray in any fancy religious language and you do not have to use religious jargon. Simply be real and share your heart. God is not impressed by fancy prayers but an honest heart.
Listening to God
Someone once said “when the Bible speaks, God speaks”. The Bible is God’s primary revelation to mankind, so if you want to hear God speak to then open God’s Word, the Bible and read with an open heart. You will be amazed at how God’s Word will speak to you. If you are not sure where to begin, we recommend starting in the book of John in the New Testament. Read about a chapter a day, and don’t worry about what you don’t understand. Focus on what you do understand and before long will understand what you did not understand before.
Resources
YouVersion Bible App for your phone (free)
Daily Devotions from Billy Graham
Online Bible translations and search resource