So, here you are. You have carved out some precious time to spend with God. What now? Well, you have lots of options! I roughly structure my quiet time this way, using the word GROW.
G: Get ready to spend time with God
I love to start by reading a short devotional book with entries for each day. I do not read the same devotional book every day, I have a few and just pick the one I’m in the mood to read. Then I open my Bible and pray. Psalm 119:130 says “The unfolding of your word gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” So, I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me hear and understand what God will show me as I read.
R: Read and study the Bible
I generally spend four to eight weeks in a single book of the Bible. After eight weeks, I am ready to move on. I have a notebook or folder for each book I study, so when I come back to it again, I pull out the notes from before and keep adding new insights. To begin with, I read the book all the way through at least a few times. Then, I will read through it and study in smaller sections.
If I decide to work through a Bible study book or class, I still read the entire passage in the lesson to come up with some of my own questions and observations before I dive into the questions the author has included in the study.
I generally spend four to eight weeks in a single book of the Bible. After eight weeks, I am ready to move on. I have a notebook or folder for each book I study, so when I come back to it again, I pull out the notes from before and keep adding new insights. To begin with, I read the book all the way through at least a few times. Then, I will read through it and study in smaller sections.
If I decide to work through a Bible study book or class, I still read the entire passage in the lesson to come up with some of my own questions and observations before I dive into the questions the author has included in the study.
My goal in reading is to grow in Christ, so I read with a view to observe much, so that I can correctly interpret, and apply God's Word to my life.
O: find One thing to remember today
I try to find one thing to memorize, or a question to ponder, something that sticks out, to take with me throughout my day or through the week. And I record things I want to remember or get back to tomorrow.
W: Worship God in prayer
I finish with time in prayer.
If your “quiet time” is too quiet and you find yourself falling asleep, don’t just doze off! Prayerfully consider how you might change your routine. Maybe you would like to read your Bible, the go on a prayer walk or run. If you are bored with what you are reading, try reading the passage in a different translation or paraphrase, or try listening to an audio version of the Bible. God has much to say to us in His Word. He will help you as you study and pray. The more you study, the sweeter it will be, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103.
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