We know relationships grow when we spend time together. Our relationship with God is no different.
As followers of Jesus, we need regular time to step away from the noise of everyday life, open God’s Word, talk with Him and simply be in His presence. Christians often call this a “quiet time”, but there’s no perfect formula for what that time has to look like.
One important thing to remember is that the goal isn’t to complete a religious task. It’s to know God more deeply and allow our relationship with Him to shape the way we live.
Start With God’s Word
One of the most important parts of spending time with God is reading Scripture.
The Bible is how we learn who God is, what He has done and how He calls us to live. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
You don’t have to read several chapters every morning for your time with God to “count”. You might read a chapter, a short passage or even spend time reflecting on a few verses. What matters is making room to listen to what God has said and allowing His truth to shape your heart and mind.
Talk With God
Prayer doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. Jesus has given us access to our Heavenly Father, and we can come to Him honestly.
Tell God what you’re thankful for. Bring Him your worries, questions and needs. Confess where you’ve fallen short. Pray for the people in your life. Remember that prayer doesn’t always require filling every moment with words; sometimes it’s just helpful to sit and listen.
Make Room To Be Still
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Our lives can be incredibly noisy. Sometimes spending time with God means slowing down long enough to reflect on what you’ve read, sitting quietly in His presence and turning your attention back toward Him. This means a quiet time in a noisy house probably isn’t going to be fruitful. Find a place and time where you can truly be still.
Find a Rhythm That Helps You Know God
Your quiet time may look different depending on your season of life. It might happen early in the morning before everyone wakes up, during your lunch break or at night before bed. Some days you may have 30 minutes. Other days, you may only have five.
The length of time isn’t the point, and consistency isn’t about earning God’s approval.
Spending time with God is an invitation to know the One who already loves you. As you regularly return to His Word and prayer, His truth begins to shape how you think, respond, make decisions and walk through everyday life.
You don’t need the perfect quiet time routine. Start where you are, open God’s Word and spend time with Him. Looking for a place to get started? Try our 60 Day Bible Reading plan!