Embracing Daily Quiet Time with God: A Path to Spiritual Growth
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In the midst of our busy lives, carving out time for God can seem like a daunting task. Yet, the practice of having a daily quiet time with God is essential for anyone seeking to grow spiritually and deepen their relationship with the Creator. This quiet time—dedicated moments of prayer, Bible study, and reflection—serves as a powerful anchor within the whirlwind of life’s demands.
Whether you’re a new believer or someone trying to rekindle a habit of devotion, this practice isn’t just a religious routine but a lifeline, grounding you in faith and connecting you intimately with God.
In this post, we’ll explore the significance of daily quiet time, how to incorporate prayer, choose the best time, use helpful resources, and establish a consistent, life-giving routine.
Why Prayer is Essential for Meaningful Daily Quiet Time with God
One of the most profound aspects of daily quiet time with God is prayer. Prayer is not just a prelude to Bible study but a sacred conversation with the Almighty. Prayer (תפילה tefillah) is an act of connecting with God, seeking His guidance, and aligning our hearts with His will.
When we begin our quiet time with prayer, we invite God’s Spirit (רוח הקודש Ruach HaKodesh) to illuminate the Scriptures and soften our hearts to receive His word. As the psalmist says:
“Let my prayer be set before You like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice”.
Psalm 141:2, TLV
This poetic imagery captures the essence of prayer as a fragrant offering that prepares us to encounter God.
How to Pray Before Starting Your Quiet Time
You don’t need elaborate words to pray before your quiet time. A simple, heartfelt prayer can open the door to a meaningful encounter with God. Here’s an example:
Father, I come before You today, asking for Your wisdom and understanding. Open my heart to Your word and help me to see what You want to teach me today. May Your Spirit guide me and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Feel free to personalize this prayer based on your needs. Remember, prayer is about connecting with God in a way that is genuine to you.
Choosing the Best Time for Your Quiet Time
Finding the best time for your divine appointment with God is crucial for consistency. Some find the early morning hours, when the world is still (and so are the kids!) and their minds are fresh, to be the best time. This echoes the practice of many biblical figures who sought God early in the day. Yeshua Himself often retreated to solitary places in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35).
On the other hand, evening might be more suitable for others, especially if mornings are chaotic. Reflecting on God’s Word before sleep can help you unwind and align your heart with God’s peace.
As Psalm 63:7 states:
“On my bed, I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night.”
TLV
In Jewish tradition, many (myself included) recite the Bedtime Shema as the final act of the day before sleep. This prayer is a way of dedicating the night to God, reflecting on His presence and protection as we prepare to rest.
If evenings are your best time for quiet reflection, consider putting together some scriptures (like Psalms) that you can pray before bed, allowing your last thoughts to be centered on God, creating a peaceful transition into rest. Here are some suggestions:
- Psalm 91 – A prayer of protection and trust in God’s care.
- “He who dwells in the shelter of Elyon will abide in the shadow of Shaddai. I will say of ADONAI, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2, TLV)
- Psalm 3:5-6 – Expressing trust in God’s protection during sleep.
- “I lie down and sleep. I awake—for ADONAI sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people all around who have taken their stand against me.” (TLV)
- Psalm 4:8 – A verse of peace and security in God.
- “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, ADONAI, make me live securely.” (TLV)
- Psalm 121 – A song of ascents, affirming God’s constant watch over His people.
- “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” (Psalm 121:7-8, TLV)
How to Stick to Your Chosen Time
Consistency is key to establishing a daily quiet time with God. Here are some practical tips to help you stick to your chosen time:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or a calendar to set daily reminders for your quiet time. This will help you prioritize it against your daily tasks.
- Create a Routine: Incorporate your quiet time into an existing routine. For example, if you’re a morning person, make it the first thing you do after waking up.
- Start Small: If you’re new to this practice, start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
- Address Challenges: Recognize the obstacles that might disrupt your routine, such as busy schedules or distractions, and find ways to overcome them. Remember, even Yeshua faced distractions but remained steadfast in His commitment to prayer and communion with God.
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Why Resources Matter in Your Bible Study
Having the right resources can significantly enhance your Bible study experience during the time you set aside to pray and study. Resources like study Bibles, commentaries, and devotionals provide context, historical background, and deeper insights into the Scriptures, making your study more enriching.
In Jewish tradition, study is considered a form of worship. The Hebrew term for study, Talmud Torah (תלמוד תורה), reflects the belief that learning God’s word is a sacred duty. As we study, we engage with the text deeply, seeking not just to understand it but to let it shape our lives.
Recommended Bible Study Resources
To make the most of your quiet time, consider using some of these resources:
- Study Bibles: The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is an excellent resource, especially for those looking to understand the Jewish context of the New Testament. The TLV is a Messianic Jewish translation that emphasizes the continuity of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
- Concordance: A good concordance can offer valuable insights. The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is highly recommended for an overarching view of the Hebrew and Greek. It does not drill down as much as a lexicon does but it is much easier to understand if you don’t know the Hebrew or Greek language.
- Devotionals: Daily devotionals can offer inspiration and reflection points to deepen your quiet time.
- Learn Biblical Hebrew: There is no better way to understand the scriptures than learning Biblical Hebrew. We do offer a Basic Beginner’s Biblical Hebrew course designed especially for people with little or no experience with Hebrew. Use coupon code Hebrew24 to receive 25% off at checkout!
Preparing Your Space for a Focused Quiet Time
The environment where you spend your quiet time plays a significant role in how focused and effective that time is. Whether it’s a corner in your bedroom, a spot in your living room, or yes, even a closet (if you have seen the movie War Room you know what I mean), dedicating a specific place for your quiet time helps set the tone for a peaceful and undistracted encounter with God.
Ensure that this space is free from distractions, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need—a Bible, a journal, a pen, your prayer list, and perhaps a cup of coffee or tea. The key is to make this space inviting, a place where you look forward to meeting with God.
Strategies for Building a Daily Quiet Time Habit
Building a habit of daily quiet time requires intentionality. Here are some strategies to help you develop this practice:
- Start with Intention: Approach your quiet time with the intention of drawing closer to God. This isn’t just another item on your to-do list; it’s an opportunity to encounter the Divine.
- Use a Journal: Journaling during this time can help you track your spiritual growth. Write down your thoughts, prayers, and what you sense God is speaking to you through His word. Keep a Gratitude Journal so you can give thanks to God for all He has done in your life.
- Find Accountability: Share your goal of having this daily quiet time with a friend or mentor who can encourage you and keep you accountable.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens, and there may be days when your routine gets disrupted. Don’t be discouraged—adapt and find another time in your day to meet with God. This should be a time you look forward to and it is difficult to do that if you beat yourself up over disruptions.
Tracking Your Progress and Growth
Tracking your spiritual growth over time can be incredibly rewarding and encouraging. Consider these methods:
- Journaling: As mentioned earlier, keeping a journal allows you to see how God is working in your life over time. Reflect on past entries to see how your understanding and relationship with God has deepened.
- Using a Bible Study App: There are many apps available that offer Bible reading plans, daily devotionals, and even note-taking features that can help you stay organized and track your progress.
- Reflecting and Adjusting: Periodically reflect on your routine. What’s working well? What’s not? Don’t be afraid to adjust your approach to better fit your current season of life.
- Join our Free Mussar Program: We work each week on a different spiritual trait and we journal as well as track our progress so we can see our growth over time. Feel free to join us! We are also creating a Mussar program for kids on YouTube and soon here on the site. Here is one of our videos!
My Final Thoughts
Incorporating daily time with God into your life is a transformative practice that deepens your relationship with Him and strengthens your spiritual walk. By beginning with prayer, choosing a consistent time, utilizing helpful resources, and creating a distraction-free environment, you’re setting yourself up for a meaningful and enriching experience.
Remember, this journey is personal and unique to each person. Whether you’re a busy mom, a new believer, or someone looking to reignite your spiritual life, these moments of quiet with God are a sacred time to rest in His presence, hear His voice, and grow in your faith.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with others who might benefit from establishing their own daily quiet time with God.
FAQs
What is a daily quiet time with God?
A daily quiet time with God is a dedicated period each day for prayer, Bible study, and reflection, allowing believers to grow closer to God.
How long should my daily quiet time be?
Start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable and find your rhythm.
What should I do if I miss my quiet time?
Don’t be discouraged. Find another time in your day, or pick up where you left off the next day. Consistency is important, but so is grace.
Can I have a quiet time with God in the evening?
Absolutely! The best time is when you can be most focused and free from distractions, whether that’s morning, evening, or another part of the day.
What are some good Bible verses to start my quiet time?
Consider Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8, or John 15:4-5. These verses emphasize the importance of dwelling in God’s word and remaining in His presence.
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.