Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
Incorporating daily quiet time with God is so important to ensure you start your day off with the right mindset, with Him at the forefront and tackling whatever the day has in store. If life is throwing hurdles your way- seeking and asking for His strength and peace to fill you. If life is going well and you are on a winning streak- celebrating those highs with Him. Quiet time routines help you make the time for God daily. Your routine can look different depending on your day but ensuring you make time (however much you can spare) to look to Him and talk to Him is really what matters. On days where I can start my day with slow mornings, this is the quiet time routine I practice to start my day with God.
1. Reading the Word
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to the Bible. I suggest starting by picking a book you want to read. If you’re newer to the Bible- maybe starting with one of the four gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke or John) to learn more about Jesus and how He lived. Jesus lived a human life so we can live a life that mirrors Him. I try to read 1-2 chapters a day so I can lean on the scripture throughout my day. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when you read scripture to comprehend what you’re reading;
- What did I learn about God?
- How should I live my life based on what I have read?
2. Reading a devotion
Devotional books or plans are great messages that are easy to conceptualize and apply to your life. They are thought provoking and relatable readings to help you reflect on your own life and shift your mindset to become more like Jesus and ensure He is the God of your life. Here are a few of my favourite devotionals that have transformed my life;
3. Journaling
There is no one formula when it comes to journaling. It can be as structured or freeing as you would like it to be. You can simply reflect on the scripture and devotional you just read or pour out your thoughts and feelings. Where is your head currently at? What lessons has God been teaching you? Writing out your thoughts can help you conceptualize and reflect how you are feeling and help you recognize how to address it.
4. Praying
Closing quiet time out by talking to God- what better way to end your routine? Now, talking to God doesn’t just have to be one and done in the morning. Talking to God should be a habit we develop throughout our day- weather that be a breath prayer, a simple thank you or pausing and seeking His strength. But starting your day with a prayer can help you focus on Him, speak to Him and give you intention and motivation for the day ahead. Here is a simple method you can use when it comes to structuring your prayers.
A– Adoration (Tell Him how much you adore Him, praise and worship Him)
C– Confession (Repent and seek forgiveness)
T– Thanksgiving (What are you grateful for?)
S– Supplication (Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7)
Create a quiet routine that works for you. At the very root of it, the purpose is to create intentional time with God, to love and get to know Him more and start each day with the right focus- on Him.
