Quiet time?

[Cross Over the Lake]

So in this one I want to tap into quiet time. That time that you put aside everyday for prayer and to read the Bible. So basically I was wondering who does this, what does your routine look like?

 

[Eha]

i read something from online forum, or talk about daily happenings about problems, worries or what are interesting - that brings us to Bible, because i dont like to read Bible, just to read it - i want real life examples, explanations, research - i want Father show me, what is really behind this or that... Prayer, - i pray always very short and concrete and at that time, i am really moved - Father love sincere, short and accurate prayer.
Now, at this moment, i have that quiet time. He didnt talk much today - we talked shortly and He asked me to do something, i did it and now i just enjoy peace and quiet and good music.

 

[barefeetonholyground]

I just started this week after my pastor's Sunday sermon on Martha and Mary and Mary's being captivated by the teachings of Jesus.
I start by going to bed at the same time as my husband the night before as he needs to get up early for work. Then when I wake up in the morning and the kids are still asleep and I have the house to myself I sit in the living room and pray that God will open my heart to receive his Word as I read the Scriptures.
I then open my Bible to where I left off the day before and read until something jumps out on me and then examine my life to see why my heart gravitates toward that verse and what God is trying to teach me through it. I then pray that God keeps this on my heart throughout the day as I contemplate what I am being taught.
After that I start my breakfast and coffee and either journal or blog about this until my children wake up and I start getting them ready for the day.

This is a huge contrast from how I grew up. In junior high and high school I was taught in church and Sunday school that reading my Bible wasn't enough, I needed to study it. Awhile back God convicted me that I wasn't reading my Bible enough as I was so overwhelmed by the concept of studying my Bible every day. I found that I learned more from reading my Bible than from studying it. I'm sure studying works better for some but not everyone. We are very blessed to worship a God who meets us where we're at and opens our hearts to hear His message no matter how we choose to read His Word.

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

i read something from online forum, or talk about daily happenings about problems, worries or what are interesting - that brings us to Bible, because i dont like to read Bible, just to read it - i want real life examples, explanations, research - i want Father show me, what is really behind this or that... Prayer, - i pray always very short and concrete and at that time, i am really moved - Father love sincere, short and accurate prayer.
Now, at this moment, i have that quiet time. He didnt talk much today - we talked shortly and He asked me to do something, i did it and now i just enjoy peace and quiet and good music.

So you don't read God's word, how do you live by God's word without reading it?

What did he ask you do?

 

[Anthony2019]

I pray at any time of the day, but my quiet time usually takes place in the evening just before I retire to bed. It's a time when I am alone, where it is quiet and where there is no distraction. I can spend time with God in prayer and reflect on the day that has past.
I have three book resources, the Book of Common Prayer, Common Worship and the Daily Office of the Northumbria Community. I often use the order for Compline (Night Prayer). I will sometimes read it from the book or follow it on audio. I will also read passages from the Bible.
When I am praying, I start by remaining silent, reflecting on God and His goodness and faithfulness. I confess my sins and receive His forgiveness and ask Him to give me His strength to live in a way that pleases Him. I read passages from the scriptures and open my heart to hear what He is saying to me. I bring the needs of family, friends, loved ones in prayer and also my own needs. I ask God to show me ways I can be a better, more caring, neighbour to others and a more effective witness for the love of Christ.

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

I just started this week after my pastor's Sunday sermon on Martha and Mary and Mary's being captivated by the teachings of Jesus.
I start by going to bed at the same time as my husband the night before as he needs to get up early for work. Then when I wake up in the morning and the kids are still asleep and I have the house to myself I sit in the living room and pray that God will open my heart to receive his Word as I read the Scriptures.
I then open my Bible to where I left off the day before and read until something jumps out on me and then examine my life to see why my heart gravitates toward that verse and what God is trying to teach me through it. I then pray that God keeps this on my heart throughout the day as I contemplate what I am being taught.
After that I start my breakfast and coffee and either journal or blog about this until my children wake up and I start getting them ready for the day.

This is exactly what I was looking for. Great response thank you.

I have always been hot and cold with getting up early, sometimes its easy others not so much.

 

[ml5363]

I joined a Bible study last January about discliping...I have learned a lot in the past year about myself, God, prayer, etc. I now have started another Bible study teaching what I learned this past year. It keep me accountable in a sense that I want them to learn as much as I have. This past year has made me realize how sweet Jesus is . Prayers for your journey.

 

[com7fy8]

When I first realize I am awake, often I first think of God, then be quiet in order for Him to do what He wants with me > to have me be and pray the way He wants > in His peace. Then discover what He has me doing in His peace. And see how in His peace I see things, about people and problems that are issues.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

What often can be a project is I have an imagined trouble with someone, and I need to wait until God corrects me to love and care for the person, then see how I see things Prayer can be a training time, of sorts, to exercise me in staying ready for love with any person and having hope for any person > love "hopes all things" (in 1 Corinthians 13:7).

And so what I do in prayer is what I need to keep going, all through the day > I mean, how I become in prayer is my standard for how to be and to stay all the time. And God alone in me is able to have me doing this.

So, when I mess up and get out of sorts during the day, I do well to take a pit stop, and get restarted and retuned in God's peace and personal guiding. Then stay in this rest while doing things and relating with people.

 

[crossnote]

I'm a night owl so that is when I'll read/pray converse with the Lord. If I tried it in the morning I would find myself sawing another cord of wood. zzzz

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

I joined a Bible study last January about discliping...I have learned a lot in the past year about myself, God, prayer, etc. I now have started another Bible study teaching what I learned this past year. It keep me accountable in a sense that I want them to learn as much as I have. This past year has made me realize how sweet Jesus is . Prayers for your journey.

That's a great idea to join a Bible study. It's been a long time sense I have done it. We ended up just talking a lot in the last group I was in.

Do you do any personal studying "quiet time"?

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

I'm a night owl so that is when I'll read/pray converse with the Lord. If I tried it in the morning I would find myself sawing another cord of wood. zzzz

Definitely guilty of that lol. Sometimes I only get up an hour before work. Which for me is not a lot of time (kinda a pretty boy), let alone study the Bible, although I could probably try harder.

 

[ml5363]

That's a great idea to join a Bible study. It's been a long time sense I have done it. We ended up just talking a lot in the last group I was in.

Do you do any personal studying "quiet time"?

Yes I spend a few hours reading the lesson scriptures...digging each week to prepare for the meeting...also I read scripture. Several times a week depending on where I am led or being discussed etc...this year I have decided to read a few Psalms a day.. maybe dig into the minor prophets or proverbs next

 

[barefeetonholyground]

Definitely guilty of that lol. Sometimes I only get up an hour before work. Which for me is not a lot of time (kinda a pretty boy), let alone study the Bible, although I could probably try harder.

You can do a bit in that hour if you get creative. I sometimes enjoy listening to sermons online while I shower and put my makeup on.

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

Yes I spend a few hours reading the lesson scriptures...digging each week to prepare for the meeting...also I read scripture. Several times a week depending on where I am led or being discussed etc...this year I have decided to read a few Psalms a day.. maybe dig into the minor prophets or proverbs next

That's awesome. So yeah, the study group really helps cause you do a study before the study.

 

[Anthony2019]

Spending time in church is great for fellowship, for hearing the scriptures, learning about and sharing our faith and for praying for one another. I would say that, personally speaking, I have found that the experience where I have felt closest to God and where I have felt Him speak to me most clearly is during my quiet time with Him. I remember one time when I was in the midst of depression and despair, when I shut myself in the privacy of my own room, praying and earnestly seeking Him. That night I was totally liberated and completely surrounded by his presence.

 

[Cross Over the Lake]

Spending time in church is great for fellowship, for hearing the scriptures, learning about and sharing our faith and for praying for one another. I would say that, personally speaking, I have found that the experience where I have felt closest to God and where I have felt Him speak to me most clearly is during my quiet time with Him. I remember one time when I was in the midst of depression and despair, when I shut myself in the privacy of my own room, praying and earnestly seeking Him. That night I was totally liberated and completely surrounded by his presence.

Sometimes shutting that door to the outside world is what it takes to fully connect. I find sometimes its easier than other times. I'm almost at that point to be like JON get it together lock yourself in a room, don't come out until you connect.

 

[Anthony2019]

Sometimes shutting that door to the outside world is what it takes to fully connect. I find sometimes its easier than other times. I'm almost at that point to be like JON get it together lock yourself in a room, don't come out until you connect.

"But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you".
All I can say is the experience I had with God in that quiet place was one I will never forget. I experienced total and complete liberation from fear, indescribable peace, and a joy that cannot be put into words. I felt like a child that had been lifted up and held in His fathers arms and totally embraced in love. The next day I was bold, I was confident and I was smiling. People were saying to me "something's happened to you!"

 

[crossnote]

Definitely guilty of that lol. Sometimes I only get up an hour before work. Which for me is not a lot of time (kinda a pretty boy), let alone study the Bible, although I could probably try harder.

I'm retired and therefore without excuse. lol

 

[Eha]

So you don't read God's word, how do you live by God's word without reading it?

I do read it, but read it , just because i need - this is boring. I read it with God - i wait for Him, and He say what to study, read.
What He asked me to do? He had word for someone, i was messenger.