Becoming consistent in your quiet time habit doesn't happen by accident. You need to start with a plan and then work that plan.
Here are 3 simple steps to get you started:
Pick Your Goal
As you start, consider why you signed up for this course. Many of us begin Bible reading plans out of guilt or obligation, but those feelings aren’t enough to keep us going when we face obstacles. What is your goal for the next 6 weeks and why is it important to you? Write down your answers in a journal, and then ask God to help you experience victory.
Pick Your Time
For many, morning time is best, but be realistic about your season of life and pick a time that you can actually commit to keeping. Perhaps lunch time or evening works best for you. The point isn’t to come to God “the right way” but to have a right heart as you come to God.
Pick Your Place
Find a space that’s well-lit and quiet for your daily devotions. Consider adding a few creative touches so you’ll look forward to spending time there. (Think potted plant, pretty mug, Scripture prints, etc). Eliminate distractions if possible, and keep your Bible, notebook, and the daily devotions in one place so you’ll be ready to go.
Once you’ve decided on the details above, you’re ready to begin your quiet time.
To help you work your plan, I’ve included prompts for your Monday-Friday devotions, including a Friday Fun Day to help you think outside the box. On the weekends, feel free to further study the passages that have stood out to you or connect with God in other creative ways.
(If you're more of a pen-and-paper person, you may enjoy the companion workbook that complements your daily devotions and takes you deeper into God's Word.)
Monday: Read Psalm 92:1-2. According to this psalm, when is a good time to praise God? What does this say about when God accepts us into His presence? If you haven’t already, decide on your goal, time, and place for quiet time. Write down your plan and post it somewhere you’ll see it so you don’t forget. Then spend a few minutes praising God for being available 24/7 and for the ways He has shown love and faithfulness to you.
Tuesday: Read John 6:44 and Romans 8:26-27. What do these passages say about God’s role in our relationship with Him? We cannot seek God on our own; we need Him to draw us to Himself--and He faithfully does that and more, interceding on our behalf when we don’t even know how to move forward. Today, confess your desperate need for God. Ask Him to draw your heart to His and to give you a burning desire for Him.
Wednesday: Read Isaiah 30:15. Oftentimes our “quiet time” is anything but quiet. We pray, we read, we write, and we sing. But how often are we actually quiet before God? Today, practice resting before the Lord. Set a 5-minute timer, and quiet your body, mind, and heart. Exchange your worry for His peace; your striving for His sovereignty; and your tiredness for His energy.
Thursday: Read Philippians 2:13. This passage states that God gives us both the desire and the ability to do His good will, including being consistent in meeting with Him. What does this say about God? Of the two, which do you need help with most: the desire for quiet time or the ability to be consistent in your quiet time? Whichever one it is, write a brief prayer asking God to work in you and expressing your trust that He will do it.
Friday Fun Day: Read Revelation 4:1-11. How does this text describe the ongoing reality of God’s throneroom? What is happening there right now? How does your personal quiet time contribute to or reflect the worship happening in heaven? Today, draw a picture to show how your private quiet time and the heavenly worship time combine to bring a pleasant offering to God.
