So what is a Quiet Time?  Click on the above image for a good definition from GotQuestions.org.  In brief, it is just regular time set aside to spend with God.  How regular?  Daily is best, or it will be difficult to develop the habit.  How much time?  As our own Pastor Bob says, even 5 minutes is far better than nothing.  And what does spending time with God involve?  At a minimum, some time in prayer and some time in Scripture.  The key is, to get started, and not be too ambitious initially.  You do not want to get discouraged and give up.  Start with what you can easily handle. 

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The Navigators is a great resource for discipleship.  Here is a great guide for getting started.  Simple, straightforward, and brief - though seven minutes is longer than Pastor Bob's five.  How to Have a Daily Quiet Time.  

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Okay, but where do I find those seven (or five) minutes a day?  Personal testimony follows.  I used to squeeze it in whenever.  I thought I was doing pretty well.  But since I was keeping a journal as part of my Quiet Time (hereafter referred to as "QT"), I discovered that I could miss a whole week and it seemed like only a day or two.  "Whenever" clearly was not working.  I decided to just get up before the rest of the family (no distractions), and start the day with QT.  That has worked remarkably well.  The key is to find a time and a place where distractions will be minimal; preferably the same approximate time every day, so the habit can be developed. 

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Want to dig a little deeper into what QT is all about?  The Quiet-Time: What, Why, and How is a good article, but keep in mind that you do not want to get too carried away when you are just getting started.  Another good article is How to Have a Quiet Time, from CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ).  The focus is on prayer and Scripture which are the essentials of QT.  But do not feel it necessity to start with in-depth study of Scripture - which they provide a template for.  The key is to get you started reading the Bible.  And prayer?  CRU provides a template for that, as well. 

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Is QT limited to prayer and reading Scripture?  There really are no limits.  But QT is a good way to get started in our walk as disciples of Christ, and prayer and Scripture are the essentials.  It cannot be repeated too much that the key is getting started and developing the habit.  Don't think that just because someone else says they start the day with two hours of QT that you need to do the same!  Who knows?  You may evolve to that point.  But you need to start with something you can easily manage.

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Okay, but this is still a bit vague.  Specifically,  how do I get started?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  How to Begin a Daily Quiet Time in 5 Easy Steps.  Remember - don't get carried away initially.  This article recommends making an absolute commitment to 30 days, no matter your mood.  And if you miss your scheduled time, you aren't off the hook!  Find the time later in the day.  The focus is on developing a discipline and hence a habit.

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What else can I be doing in my QT?  Once you have the habit nailed down with Prayer and Scripture (Devotions and/or study), consider keeping a journal, starting a Bible reading plan, Scripture memorization, the sky is the limit.

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There are many things we can be doing as part of our walk as disciples of Christ.  But there is no better nor more solid foundation on which to build that walk on than developing the habit of daily QT.  Go for it!

 

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