Spending some Quiet Time with God
Quiet time could refer to those precious moments after the kids are in bed, but for Christians, a quiet time is more than that. Quiet time, or devotion time, refers to our daily appointment with God, when we shut out as much outside interference as possible. During our quiet time, we may sing praise songs, pray, read Scripture or daily devotions, meditate on God's Word, or simply be still and listen. Making that appointment is one thing; keeping it is something else entirely! If you’ve never had a quiet time before, you may not have a good, simple plan for doing one. Simplicity is important with any plan you develop. If you make it complicated, you’re more likely to get off track. All you really need for an effective quiet time is a Bible, notebook, and maybe a hymn or songbook. Quiet time can be so difficult to prioritize. It's tempting to make excuses or just not bother. Preparing our hearts to hear from God requires a focused effort. Noise, whether outside or inside, distracts us. If we fail to understand the importance of having a regular, committed quiet time with God, we are not likely to hear His voice…the one that says, "This is the way; walk in it".
How do we enter in to God's presence? There are many ways; you may find that the way you come to God varies with the seasons of your life. Be open to change. One way is just to start talking to him. Another is to meditate on a scripture that puts you in mind of God's presence. Another is to sing a song to the Lord. Another is to picture him near you, beside you, and tell him that you love him. Another is to reach quietly down inside your heart, where he dwells, and love him there. Sometimes praying in the Spirit will bring us into his presence. Sometimes praying a childhood prayer, like the Our Father. Or we may bring to mind a scene from scripture, where Jesus ministered to the people, and place ourselves in that scene. Or we may imagine a scene from revelation, and worship before God's throne. Perhaps we are inspired by nature, his lovely creation.
The important thing is not so much how you get into God's presence. The important thing is to get there, and once you're there, stay as long as you can. Love him, and listen to him. There is no greater destiny on earth than to be called into the presence of God to worship him; yet this is the privilege all his children have.
And finally I pray:
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly.
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly, day by day.
How do we enter in to God's presence? There are many ways; you may find that the way you come to God varies with the seasons of your life. Be open to change. One way is just to start talking to him. Another is to meditate on a scripture that puts you in mind of God's presence. Another is to sing a song to the Lord. Another is to picture him near you, beside you, and tell him that you love him. Another is to reach quietly down inside your heart, where he dwells, and love him there. Sometimes praying in the Spirit will bring us into his presence. Sometimes praying a childhood prayer, like the Our Father. Or we may bring to mind a scene from scripture, where Jesus ministered to the people, and place ourselves in that scene. Or we may imagine a scene from revelation, and worship before God's throne. Perhaps we are inspired by nature, his lovely creation.
The important thing is not so much how you get into God's presence. The important thing is to get there, and once you're there, stay as long as you can. Love him, and listen to him. There is no greater destiny on earth than to be called into the presence of God to worship him; yet this is the privilege all his children have.
And finally I pray:
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly.
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly, day by day.
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