Bible & Pray

Quiet Time in a Noisy World
How can you have a quiet time in a noisy world? Take the first step. Beginning today, set aside a few minutes each day to be alone with God. Ask Him to give you a hunger for His Word and a freshness in your prayer life. Put into practice some of these ideas and soon you’ll discover that those few quiet time minutes may become the most meaningful part of your day

1. START WITH THE BASICS
Find a Bible translation you like. Maybe get a notebook and a pen. Choose a place and time when you can concentrate. For many this is first thing in the morning. But you don’t need hours. The point is, decide to begin today.

2. IT’S A MEETING, NOT A HABIT
People refer to the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer…Your quiet time is really a meeting to dialog with the living God. Don’t focus so much on the mechanics of the process that you miss the Person behind it.

3. DON’T FEEL GUILTY
Remember, God really loves you. And He wants to meet with you. Don focus on guilt for not “paying your dues” to God. Rather, in whatever time you have, focus on expressing your love and devotion to Him. Soon you’ll find yourself feeling less guilty and more excited about meeting with God

4. FIND A PLAN THAT FITS YOU
Many people say, “I love to cook, but l hate to decide what’s for dinner.” The same principle is true when it comes to a daily quiet time. There are many good Bible reading guides available from many publishers and denominations. The point is, find a plan and stick to it. Then you won’t have to spend your quiet time in “menu planning” and you can experience “the joy of cooking.”

5. BE CREATIVE, ADD VARIETY
Even good things can become routine. To keep your daily time with God fresh, vary your approach occasionally. Experiment on your own, but remember, it’s not about the method it’s about the Person

6. GIVE DISTRACTIONS TO GOD
It’s a noisy world out there and you can’t always control it. When distractions come, incorporate them into your quiet time. If young children interrupt, invite them onto your lap and read the Bible together your mind wanders, give those thoughts to the Lord in prayer. Don’t get angry orfrustrated. Just come back into the presence of your Heavenly Father; He’s waiting.

7. LEARN TO LISTEN
Prayer is not just talking to God, it’s listening.Take time to still yourself in God’s presence. Give your worries and concerns to Him. Wait in silence listening to the still, small voice of His Spirit. Think back on the experiences of the previous day. How did you see God’s hand at work? Reflect on what you’ve read in God’s Word. What is God saying to you? Invite the Holy Spirit to be present. When you really love someone, you take time to listen.