14 Comments

  1. Yes! I think we set ourselves up for failure when we think we haven’t had a quiet time with God unless we’ve read so many minutes or chapters, or prayed through a list, or whatever. Just like our other relationships, sometimes we have more or less time on certain days, but we make an effort to connect. I’m more of a visual learner, but some people enjoy listening to the Bible while they are driving or doing chores. We have so many apps available to do that now. Plus even when we feel distracted or tired or not very spiritual, it’s good to still keep that time with God. He can transform it (and us!)

    1. Yes we can literally take it on the go with us. What I worry about with those things like audio Bibles is that sometimes, at least for me, words can easily go in one ear and out the other and not be retained or looked up and studied further. My personal belief, which comes from the Jewish sages so I can’t claim it as my own, is that one has to pray or study with kavanah…intent (I have a post on kavanah). It is intense concentration, which is why we can pray liturgical prayers with feeling and connection. So I know for me, listening to an audio Bible might be great while I am cooking and so on, but I am not listening intently and acquiring it. For those people who can…I applaud them because I would love to. Its just not my medium for it. I am a words learner (and visual).

  2. Thank you for the reminder to not just know about Him, but to truly know Him. Thanks for hosting an amazing link-up too!

  3. I appreciate the fire in your words on this topic. It really is a matter of utmost importance to our spiritual growth.

  4. Yes! We can’t get to know Him if we don’t spend time with Him. Praying, talking with Him, reading His Word, listening to praise and worship music – the more time we spend with Him, the more intimate our relationship is with Him. Love this!

  5. Diane,
    We may need to “give up” and “get up” – Yes!! This scripture from Ephesians jumped out at me – “Make the most of your time because the days are evil.” This certainly describes our times and all the more reason to spend time getting to Know God vs. know about God. Great post and I love the Amidah prayer – beautiful! What a rich heritage you have!!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    1. Thank you so much Bev! The Amidah always seems to present something new to me in each of its blessings and requests (I only shared the first one but would love to do a post on the entire prayer). I am truly blessed by it!

  6. Thank you, Diane, such an encouraging post! I know I have struggled in the past with expectations that my quiet time had to meet a slew of standards, which only left me discouraged and thinking I would never have time to spend with God. But the fact is, he is with us every moment of the day, and we can fellowship at any time through prayer, song or Bible reading through an app on our phone. We can make the most of our time each day by acknowledging His presence with us!

    1. That is so true! He will meet us wherever we are!! I love how technology has allowed for us to be in the Word at any time!

  7. My way may sound a bit rigid. But I do it first thing in the morning. I set aside 15 minutes for Bible reading or study and 15 minutes for prayer. I set a timer, and many times when it goes off, I keep going. It sets my day with my eyes fixed on Jesus and starts my day with God walking with me.

    I skipped it yesterday, and boy, what a mess of a day.

    I love what you said; it isn’t a side gig it is the gig. Amen

    Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up. I always love your posts.

    1. Actually it might surprise you but I don’t think that’s rigid at all! I say whatever works to keep you on track is great! Believe me, I am sure people would call my prayer time rigid as well LOL Its a God-appointment you keep each day and I think that’s great! And yes, I know what you mean about the day being a mess when we miss that time!! It throws everything off. Thank you so much Maree!!

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