Lately I have been struggling with having meaningful quiet time. I try to squeeze it in, but often times feel like a failure because I am rushed or distracted. I have tried getting up earlier, but I already get up at 5:30 and earlier just seems impossible. Most days I arrive at work early because of drop off time at the elementary school, so I try to have quiet time in my office, but there are constant interruptions. I am too exhausted and distracted with household task to concentrate at night time. It seems like life gets in the way, and it should not be that way.
I am trying to get back on track with having meaningful quiet time. In planning for a successful quiet time I have come up with my 5 must-have things in order for my quiet time to be meaningful. Maybe my ideas will help you develop a more meaningful quiet time.
My Bible: I use the Life Application Study Bible. This Bible includes commentary, as well as specific examples of how to live out the scriptures. In the past I have just picked up a Bible and sometimes just reading verses is not helpful because I had not explanation of what the passage was really saying. Let’s be honest, some of the Bible is difficult to understand if you do not know the context or history of the passage.
My Journal: I like to write. Writing helps me to reflect. Many times after I finish my quiet time I will write my thoughts and feelings. At times I will also write down my prayers. In the past I have done this in my regular daily journal, but recently I started a separate journal for just these kinds of thoughts, reflections and sermon notes.
Electronic Free Zone: I can not have my phone or computer near when I am trying to have my quiet time. It seems like every time I sit down to have quiet time my phone has to beep and buzz. I remind myself daily that there is NOTHING that can not wait for 30 minutes.
My Pink Bible Highlighter: I find that it is very helpful to highlight key words or passages. I also find it helpful to highlight sections of commentary. These highlighted areas help me to focus on areas that are speaking to me.
Desire: I will be honest, sometimes I don’t have a true burning desire to study, pray or mediate on God or his word. I know it is a horrible thing to say, but it is an honest thing to say. Sometimes it seems like my quiet time is just one more chore to be marked off of an ever growing list of things I need to do. I want a true desire to have quiet time. I don’t want it to be just another thing I have to do because I know I should do it. Desire helps to cancel out distractions. My current prayer for myself is to have a true desire to study and immerse myself in the word of God.
What tips do you have for having a meaningful quiet time? I struggle with having a true desire for quiet time. What do you struggle with when it comes to having a meaningful quiet time?