Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Quiet Times
Why
Where
When
What
Prayer
What
Praise
Admit
Request
Thanks
Shut Up
Other prayer Ideas
Bible Study
Get a Grip
How
Journaling
Characteristics of God
Names of God
Who I am in Christ
Quiet Times
Why
Where
3. Quiet place
When
1. Every day
2. Pray
3. Sing/Praise/Worship
4. Listen
5. Meditate
6. Memorize Scripture
7. Prayer Games (ABCs of prayer, 1st
person you see, etc.)
8. Journaling
9. Read devotional book
10. Art worship/Dance worship
11. Write music, poetry, liturgy
Prayer
Prayer is communication w/God
1 Thes 5:16-18
Mt 6:5-13
Pray Alone.
Pray with few words.
Don't babble.
What
Praise
Ps 63:3
Admit
1. Be specific
2. Ask Him to show you your sins
Ps 139:23-24
3. Think through your day or week
4. Measure yourself against Bible
Ex 20:1-17, Mt 5-7
Example: Ps 51
5. Confess outloud
6. Hate your sin, not yourself
Ps 66:18
7. Talk to God about broken relationships
Mt 5:23-24
8. Thank God for forgiveness. Focus
and Rejoice in it!
1 John 1:9
Request
Mt 7:7
1 John 5:14-15
Be specific
1. World, Nation, State, City, Church,
School, Family
2. JOY
J - Jesus
O - Others
Y - You
3. Write down requests
Trust God's timing for Answers
Thanks
Shut Up - Listen
Ps 46:10a
1. Read His Word
2. Sit in Silence
3. Scripture songs
family, friends, teachers, ministers, mentors, enemies, aquaintences, neighbors, strangers, leaders,
military, media, bands, etc.
Other Ideas:
Bible Study
1. Prayer walk.
2 Tim 3:16
4 Purposes:
1. Teaching
2. Personalized prayers.
Try Ps 23 - substitute your name in Scripture
3. Object prayers.
Pick an object and ask who,
what, when, where, why, how, and
purpose? How should I be like
or unlike this object? Does it
make me think of any particular Scripture or is it in the Bible?
4. Tabernacle prayers.
Use the model of prayer that the priests used
when entering the tabernacle:
1. sacrificial table - confess sins
2. water basin - receive purity
3. lampstand - seek clarity & direction
4. showbread - seek provision
5. incense - prayer requests
6. ark of covenant - be in His presence
5. Positive prayers.
Get a grip
on God's word
How
examples to follow?
promises to claim?
prayers to repeat?
Journaling
Ideas
1. Letter to God/Diary
2. Poem or Song
3. Story
One-word Bible Study
"For God so loved the world. . . ."
Meditate on each word of a Scripture.
Ex:
"For" - Hmm. . .why did He love the world? What
comes before "for" in this verse?
"God" - the ultimate, the infinite, creator,
beginning, end, God loved the world.
"so" - He didn't just love it a little, but He
"so loved" - so much that. . .
"loved" - one of the three things that are
eternal - God loved, had feelings for, acted on
behalf of, chooses to treat well in spite of. . .
19. Scriptures
20. ________________________
Characteristics of
God
Eternal - Ps 90:2, Ex 3:14, Ps 102:12,
Rev 1:17
Able to be everywhere - Ps 139:7-12
All-Knowing - Ps 139:1-6, Ps 147:4,
Mt 6:8, Mt 10:28-30
Authority over Everything - Jer
32:17
Mercy - Ps 5:7, 6:4, 13:5, 17:7, 18:50,
21:7, 23:6
Grace - Eph 2:8-9, Jn 1:18
Governor - Mt 2:5b-6
Just/Justice - Jn 5:30, Ps 99:4, Rms
1:32
Truth - Jn 14:6
Immensity - I Kgs 8:27
Love - 1 Jn 4:8-10, Jn 3:16, Ps 103:11
Holiness - Lev 11:44-45, Ps 11:4-6,
Lk 1:35
Unchanging - Hbs 13:8
One - Deut 6:4
Sovereign - Is 46:9-10
Names of God
The Last Adam - 1 Cor 15:45-47
Advocate - 1 Jn 2:1-2
Almighty - Rev 1:8
Alpha & Omega - Rev 22:13
Amen - Rev 3:14
Ancient of Days - Dan 7:9
Angel of Jehovah - Gen 16:7-11
Anointed - Ps 2:2
Apostle - Hb 3:1
Author & Perfecter of Faith- Hb 12:2
Beginning - Rev 3:14
Beloved - Mt 12:18
Beloved Son - Mt 3:17
Blessed & Only Potentate - 1 Tim 6:15
Branch - Zec 6:12
Bread - Jn 6:35
Breath of the Almighty - Job 33:4
Bridegroom - Mk 2:19- 20
Bright Morning Star - Rev 22:16
Chief Shepherd - 1 Pt 5:4
Child - Mt 2:11
Chosen One - Lk 23:35
Christ - Mt 16:16
Cornerstone - 1 Pt 2:6
Creator - Gen 1:1, Ecc 12:1
Crown - Is 28:5
Deliverer - Ps 18:2
Door - Jn 10:7-9
Eternal Spirit - Hb 9:14
Everlasting Father - Is 9:6
Everlasting God - Gen 21:33
Faithful & True - Rev 19:11
Father - Jer 3:19
Father of Glory - Eph 1:17
Father of Lights - Jms 1:17
Father of Mercies - 2 Cor 1:3
Father of Our Lord - 2 Cor 1:3
First-Born - Hb 1:6
First-born of the Dead - Rev 1:5
First & Last - Is 44:6
Fortress - Ps 91:2
Glory of Israel - 1 Sam 15:29
God - Titus 2:13
God (Elohim) - Gen 1:1
God Almighty (El Shaddai) - Gen 17:1
God Most High (El Elyon) - Gen 14:1822
Teacher - Mt 19:16
True God - 1 Jn 5:20
Truth - Jn 14:6
Vine - Jn 15:1
Vinedresser - Jn 15:1
Way - Jn 14:6
Wisdom of God - 1 Cor 1:24
Witness - Rev 3:14
Wonderful Counselor - Is 9:6
Word - Jn 1:1
Word of God - Rev 19:13
Word of Life - 1 Jn 1:1
Who I am in Christ
1. I am complete in Him who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
2. I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
3. I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans
8:2).
4. I am far from oppression, and fear does not come
near me (Isaiah 54:14).
5. I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch
me (I John 5:18).
6. I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I
Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
7. I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
8. I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
9. I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He
Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John
4:4).
11. I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my un-
44. I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
45. I am strengthened with all might according to
His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
46. I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from
me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James
4:7).
47. I press on toward the goal to win the prize to
which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward
(Philippians 3:14).
48. For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of
power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).
49. It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me
(Galatians 2:20).
Contents:
Quiet Times
Why
Where
When
What
Prayer
What
Praise
Admit
Request
Thanks
Shut Up
Other prayer Ideas
Bible Study
Get a Grip
How
Journaling
Characteristics of God
Names of God
Who I am in Christ
Quiet Times
Why
Where
2. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
3. ____________________(Ps 5:3)
4. _________________________
4. ___________________(Mk 1:35)
5. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________
6. _________________________
7. _________________________
7. _________________________
8. _________________________
8. _________________________
When
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________
7. _________________________
8. _________________________
9. _________________________
10. ________________________
11. ________________________
12. ________________________
Prayer
13. ________________________
Prayer is ___________________
1 Thes 5:16-18
Mt 6:5-13
Pray ___________.
Pray with _______
_________.
Don't ____________.
What
Praise
Ps 63:3
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
Admit
Request
1. _________________________
Mt 7:7
1 John 5:14-15
2. _________________________
Ps 139:23-24
___________________________
3. _________________________
1. _________________________
4. _________________________
Ex 20:1-17, Mt 5-7
Example: Ps 51
2. _________________________
5. _________________________
J - _____________
O - _____________
Y - _____________
6. _________________________
Ps 66:18
7. _________________________
Mt 5:23-24
8. _________________________
1 John 1:9
3. _________________________
Thanks
Shut Up
Ps 46:10a
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
Quit ______________ for God and
learn to just _____________ with
Him.
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________
7. _________________________
8. _________________________
Eph 1:3-14
Other Ideas:
Bible Study
1. Prayer ____________.
2 Tim 3:16
2. __________________ prayers.
Try Ps 23
4 Purposes
1. _________________________
3. _________________ prayers.
2. _________________________
4. _________________ prayers.
3. _________________________
5. _________________ prayers.
4. _________________________
How much priority should my Bible
reading be? (1 Pt 1:23-25)
Qualities of God's word: (Ps 19:7-14)
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
Rms 10:17
Get a grip
on God's word
How
________ to follow?
________ to claim?
________ to repeat?
Journaling
Ideas
1. _________________________
One-word Bible Study
"For God so loved the world. . . ."
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________
a. ______________________
b. ______________________
c. ______________________
d. ______________________
e. ______________________
f. ______________________
16. ________________________
g. ______________________
17. ________________________
h. ______________________
18. ________________________
7. _________________________
19. ________________________
8. _________________________
20. ________________________
9. _________________________
10. ________________________
11. ________________________
12. ________________________
13. ________________________
14. ________________________
15. ________________________
Characteristics of
God
Eternal - Ps 90:2, Ex 3:14, Ps 102:12,
Rev 1:17
Able to be everywhere - Ps 139:7-12
All-Knowing - Ps 139:1-6, Ps 147:4,
Mt 6:8, Mt 10:28-30
Authority over Everything - Jer
32:17
Mercy - Ps 5:7, 6:4, 13:5, 17:7, 18:50,
21:7, 23:6
Grace - Eph 2:8-9, Jn 1:18
Governor - Mt 2:5b-6
Just/Justice - Jn 5:30, Ps 99:4, Rms
1:32
Truth - Jn 14:6
Immensity - I Kgs 8:27
Love - 1 Jn 4:8-10, Jn 3:16, Ps 103:11
Holiness - Lev 11:44-45, Ps 11:4-6,
Lk 1:35
Unchanging - Hbs 13:8
One - Deut 6:4
Sovereign - Is 46:9-10
Names of God
The Last Adam - 1 Cor 15:45-47
Advocate - 1 Jn 2:1-2
Almighty - Rev 1:8
Alpha & Omega - Rev 22:13
Amen - Rev 3:14
Ancient of Days - Dan 7:9
Angel of Jehovah - Gen 16:7-11
Anointed - Ps 2:2
Apostle - Hb 3:1
Author & Perfecter of Faith- Hb 12:2
Beginning - Rev 3:14
Beloved - Mt 12:18
Beloved Son - Mt 3:17
Blessed & Only Potentate - 1 Tim 6:15
Branch - Zec 6:12
Bread - Jn 6:35
Breath of the Almighty - Job 33:4
Bridegroom - Mk 2:19- 20
Bright Morning Star - Rev 22:16
Chief Shepherd - 1 Pt 5:4
Child - Mt 2:11
Chosen One - Lk 23:35
Christ - Mt 16:16
Cornerstone - 1 Pt 2:6
Creator - Gen 1:1, Ecc 12:1
Crown - Is 28:5
Deliverer - Ps 18:2
Door - Jn 10:7-9
Eternal Spirit - Hb 9:14
Everlasting Father - Is 9:6
Everlasting God - Gen 21:33
Faithful & True - Rev 19:11
Father - Jer 3:19
Father of Glory - Eph 1:17
Father of Lights - Jms 1:17
Father of Mercies - 2 Cor 1:3
Father of Our Lord - 2 Cor 1:3
First-Born - Hb 1:6
First-born of the Dead - Rev 1:5
First & Last - Is 44:6
Fortress - Ps 91:2
Glory of Israel - 1 Sam 15:29
God - Titus 2:13
God (Elohim) - Gen 1:1
God Almighty (El Shaddai) - Gen 17:1
God Most High (El Elyon) - Gen 14:1822
Teacher - Mt 19:16
True God - 1 Jn 5:20
Truth - Jn 14:6
Vine - Jn 15:1
Vinedresser - Jn 15:1
Way - Jn 14:6
Wisdom of God - 1 Cor 1:24
Witness - Rev 3:14
Wonderful Counselor - Is 9:6
Word - Jn 1:1
Word of God - Rev 19:13
Word of Life - 1 Jn 1:1
Who I am in Christ
1. I am complete in Him who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
13. I have put off the old man and have put on the
new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after
the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).
14. I have given, and it is given to me; good measure,
pressed down, shaken together, and running over,
men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
15. I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:19).
16. I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
17. I can do all things through Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:13).
18. I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus
(John 14:12).
19. I show forth the praises of God who has called
me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter
2:9).
20. I am Gods child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and
abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
44. I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
45. I am strengthened with all might according to
His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
46. I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from
me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James
4:7).
47. I press on toward the goal to win the prize to
which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward
(Philippians 3:14).
48. For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of
power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).
49. It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me
(Galatians 2:20).
DEVOTE
YOURSELVES
TO
PRAYER,
ALERT
IN IT WITH AN
KEEPING
ATTITUDE OF
THANKSGIVING
colossians 4:2
MY GIFT TO YOU
Our world is noisy and busy and time with God can be easily
passed over. A quiet time is where you take some time out of
your day and make an appointment to connect with God. Even
Jesus took this time - Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and
prayed (Luke 5:16)
The bottom line is that you cant be a healthy Christian without
time with God. When you spend time with God you will:
fall in love with Him more
receive direction for daily living
have His strength to keep going
grow more like Him
WHY 31 PAGES?
No...its not one page for every day of the month. You would
obviously benefit from having a quiet time everyday but theres
no secret behind the 31 pages. I just want to keep the journal
short enough so you can feel a sense of completion. However
long it takes you to finish the journal, well celebrate together!
No! Read whatever you want and keep track of it in the journal. If
you dont know where to read in your Bible, you might start with
the Gospel of John or the book of Philippians. If you need a
reading plan, you can read through the One Minute Bible or check
out Blessings and La Bonne Nouvelle (our Christian bookstores in
Moncton) for other options.
Whatever you want! You can write out your prayers, list what God
is teaching you, write a letter to God, write about your spiritual
journey, describe what you want to learn, write what you think
God would say to you if He was writing to you - there are no rules.
Its your spiritual journal. Its not intended to be a diary where you
record everything you did yesterday. They are your pages - write
whats on your heart.
Print another one. Look back over your journal pages and reflect
on what God is doing in your life and what youre learning.
Transfer your on-going prayer requests to your next journal...and
celebrate Gods growth in your life.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 31:30
Charm
is deceptive, and beauty does not
last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be
greatly praised.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 1:23
Come
here and listen to me! Ill pour out the
spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 30:5
Every
word of God proves true; He defends
all who come to him for protection.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
2:8
HeProverbs
guards the paths of justice and protects
those who are faithful to him.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 29:18
When
people do not accept divine guidance,
they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is
happy.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not
depend on your own understanding. Seek his
will in all you do, and he will Direct your paths.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 28:14
Blessed
are those who have a tender
conscience, but the stubborn are headed
for serious trouble.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 4:23
Above
all else, guard your heart, for it
affects everything you do.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
27:17
AsProverbs
iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a
friend.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
5:21
ForProverbs
the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
26:11
AsProverbs
a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
6:23
ForProverbs
these commands and this teaching are a
lamp to light the way ahead of you. The
correction of discipline is the way of life.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 25:28
A person
without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 7:1
Follow
my advice, my son; always treasure my
commands.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 24:5
A wise
man is mightier than a strong man,
And a man of knowledge is more powerful
than a strong man.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
8:13
AllProverbs
who fear the Lord will hate evil. That is
why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and
perverted speech.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
23:18
ForProverbs
surely you have a future ahead of you;
your hope will not be disappointed.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 9:10
Fear
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Knowledge of the holy one results in understanding.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 22:9
Blessed
are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred
stirs up quarrels, but love covers
all offenses.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 21:21
Whoever
pursues godliness and unfailing
love will find life, godliness, and honor.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
11:20
TheProverbs
Lord hates people with twisted hearts,
but he delights in those who have integrity.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
20:1
WineProverbs
produces mockers; liquor leads to
brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 12:18
Some
people make cutting remarks, But the
words of the wise bring healing.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
19:21
YouProverbs
can make many plans, but the Lords
purpose will prevail.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 13:20
Whoever
walks with the wise will become
wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer
harm.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 18:24
There
are friends who destroy each
other, but a real friend sticks closer than
a brother.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 14:31
Those
who oppress the poor insult their
maker, But those who help the poor honor
him.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful
heart is good medicine, but a
broken spirit saps a persons strength.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful
look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health.
TODAYS DATE:
TODAYS JOURNAL:
scripture read:
WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE
MEANS TO ME:
PRAYER REQUEST:
Proverbs 16:3
Commit
your work to the LORD, and then your
plans will succeed.
5 Steps to a
More Effective Quiet Time
Shannon Primicerio
Author & Speaker
www.beingagirlbooks.com
It can be hard to get into a consistent quiet time routine. I know you want to
do it, and youre intentions are good. But if youre like me its easy to get too
busy, too distracted or even too frustrated over where to start to find something that really works for you. Remember, your quiet time is about building
intimacy in your relationship with God. That will look different for everyone.
I have a friend who is a talented artist. She spends part of her quiet time
illustrating the passage she is reading. Im not artistic, so that wouldnt work
for me. But it works great for her. Be on the lookout for what works for you,
and remember that your quiet time might look different in various seasons of
your life. Here are five ideas on how to get started or change things up.
1. Find a quiet spot where you can be alone with God. Having the same meeting time and spot will help you stay
consistent. I prefer to meet with God in the comfy chair in my bedroom every morning. I keep a basket next to my
chair that holds my Bible, my journal, a few devotion books, the current Bible study Im doing and a few pens and
highlighters. That way, everything is handy when I stumble over to my chair first thing when I wake up.
If you create a consistent quiet time routine, others will quickly learn not to interrupt you. Dont be afraid to tell
your parents and siblings what you are doing. You may even want to create a special signal to let others know not
to bother you. My friend Robin Jones Gunn used to light a candle on the table next to her so her husband and kids
would know not to intrude on her special time with God. Just remember to ask nicely when you express your need
for privacy.
2. Prepare your heart and your calendar. Try to set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour each day so you dont feel rushed in
your time with God. Being in a hurry will make you feel distracted and on edge. Begin by taking a deep breath and
mentally releasing all of your worries and distractions. Ask God to keep you focused on Him and what He has for
you in this time.
You may want to start with reading a short devotion from a book like Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman or My
Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Both books come in modern translations and contain a verse and short
thought that will help you get your mind and heart in a place where you can hear from God. Actively engaging by
taking notes, writing in a journal or highlighting and underlining can also help you stay in the moment because
you arent just sitting in silencewhich can make it easy for your mind to wander.
3. Use Bible study tools. Dont be intimidated to use something that will help you know exactly where to start
each day. Typically I use a womens Bible study
or a writers Bible study to help me dig into the
Word and make application. You may be interested in using one of my True Life Bible studies
on the lives of Leah, Hagar and Miriam. The important thing is to select a tool that will help you
figure out where to begin reading and how to apply what you read to your own life.
Reading a Proverb or Psalm a day can also be a
rewarding way to spend part of your quiet time. If
you would like to receive a FREE copy of my Bible Bites daily reading plan please sign up for my
email newsletter at www.beingagirlbooks.com
1-877-803-7845
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shannon@beingagirlbooks.com
shannon@beingagirlbooks.com
5 Steps to a
More Effective Quiet Time (2)
Shannon Primicerio
Author & Speaker
www.beingagirlbooks.com
4. Keep a written record of what God is showing you. I know that some people arent the journaling type. Thats
OK. You dont have to keep a diary where you record daily events or your innermost secrets. But keeping a quiet
time journal can really enhance your relationship with God. Begin by dating each entry and writing down any
Scripture verses or quotes from your Bible study tools that jump out at you. Write at least 2-3 sentences about why
you find them interesting or what you think God might be saying to you. Im still amazed when I look back
through my old journals and read the entries from the time when I first discovered God was
calling me to be a writer. On days when I doubt or get discouraged, I can easily return to those journals and
remember what it felt like when God first called me.
Writing out prayer requests and answers to prayer is also important because it will help you remember Gods past
faithfulness on days when you feel like He cannot hear you. When I was in college, there was a season where God
prompted me to pray for my future husband (whom I hadnt met yet). All I knew was that I was supposed to pray
that God would show Him to end the relationship He was currently in. Imagine my amazement years later when I
discovered my husband had been in a relationship that was headed toward marriage during that very same time of
my dated journal entries. Keep a written record of what God shows you in your quiet time.
5. Talk openly with God. I always close out my quiet time with prayer. Whenever possible, I like to get down on
my knees and do it. Not because I think God hears me better when Im on my knees, but because I tend to be more
aware of what Im doing and saying (and Who Im talking to) when I get into that position. I also try to pray out
loud or in writing because it prevents me from getting distracted when I pray.
A few years ago, I learned the ACTS method of praying. I try to cover four key areas in my morning prayer time:
Adoration (worshiping God for who He is), Confession (asking for forgiveness of any sin I have in my heart),
Thanksgiving (praising God for answered prayer and the good things in my life) and Supplication (praying over
specific requests for me and others). When I get stuck, I also try to pray Scripture verses for people. For instance, if
I know someone who is really struggling I might pray Romans 12:2 for him or her and insert his or her name into
that verse.
Remember, your quiet time is about you and God. Dont be afraid to express the personality God has given you when
you spend time alone with Him. Do what works for you, and if you have an idea you want to share email me at
shannon@beingagirlbooks.com
An author of ten books, Shannon Primicerio teaches teenage girls how to apply the Bible to the drama of
real life and read it like it's God's love letter to them. By helping girls establish intimacy with Christ,
she puts them on a path that will ensure they will still be walking with Him long after high school and
college.
Her books and conferences provide:
*Guidance and structure for how to have a daily quiet time
*Strategies for battling peer pressure in areas like dating, purity and friendship
*Insight on how to see yourself as the beautiful treasure you are
*Direction on how to find your purpose and live your passion for the glory of God
You can learn more about Shannon at www.beingagirlbooks.com
1-877-803-7845
1-877-803-7845
shannon@beingagirlbooks.com
shannon@beingagirlbooks.com