For the majority of the time since I became a Christian at 15, my attitude about "Quiet Times" was one of guilt and shame, because I knew that it was something I should be doing every day
. Reading the Bible and praying are spiritual disciplines that help us to grow as Christians. I wanted to grow, but I wasn't that good at the discipline part ! Part of that was that I thought time to read the Bible and pray would somehow happen during the day and inevitably (surprise surprise), it didn't just happen.
I need to read the Bible and pray. It's food for my soul; equipping me for the day ahead. Listening at a women's conference to another busy woman just simply talk from the platform about how she prioritises this time alone with God, prompted me to take action!
Firstly, there's no one "right" way to do this. It will be different for each of us at different seasons of life.Think about your temperament, schedule, commitments at home and at work. Ask other women for their creative tips and ideas - how they do it?
Asking amongst friends, one has a"Cosy time" on her sofa whilst her child naps. Another has a beautiful basket that contains everything she needs. Some escape to a quiet place. Some go outside. Some do it in the morning, others at night or on the road; in the car or whilst walking. Some have Bibles and journals; other use their ipod or laptop. Some are reading the Bible in a year or following study notes.
Here's what I do - set the alarm so there's peace and quiet downstairs, corner of the sofa in the kitchen, coffee, Bible and notebook (my diary is usually nearby too, because my mind invariably starts thinking about the day ahead). I like a Psalm and some Proverbs; sometimes I'm following along with the Sunday series (ie who was Nehemiah?!) and I always want to hear Jesus' words too so I read something from the gospels. If I'm disorganised for the day it doesn't work so well, and I'm not great when I'm out of routine or even at weekends. It also doesn't work for me if I try to stay in bed (shame!)
So, what do you do?
. Reading the Bible and praying are spiritual disciplines that help us to grow as Christians. I wanted to grow, but I wasn't that good at the discipline part ! Part of that was that I thought time to read the Bible and pray would somehow happen during the day and inevitably (surprise surprise), it didn't just happen.I need to read the Bible and pray. It's food for my soul; equipping me for the day ahead. Listening at a women's conference to another busy woman just simply talk from the platform about how she prioritises this time alone with God, prompted me to take action!
Firstly, there's no one "right" way to do this. It will be different for each of us at different seasons of life.Think about your temperament, schedule, commitments at home and at work. Ask other women for their creative tips and ideas - how they do it?
Asking amongst friends, one has a"Cosy time" on her sofa whilst her child naps. Another has a beautiful basket that contains everything she needs. Some escape to a quiet place. Some go outside. Some do it in the morning, others at night or on the road; in the car or whilst walking. Some have Bibles and journals; other use their ipod or laptop. Some are reading the Bible in a year or following study notes.
Here's what I do - set the alarm so there's peace and quiet downstairs, corner of the sofa in the kitchen, coffee, Bible and notebook (my diary is usually nearby too, because my mind invariably starts thinking about the day ahead). I like a Psalm and some Proverbs; sometimes I'm following along with the Sunday series (ie who was Nehemiah?!) and I always want to hear Jesus' words too so I read something from the gospels. If I'm disorganised for the day it doesn't work so well, and I'm not great when I'm out of routine or even at weekends. It also doesn't work for me if I try to stay in bed (shame!)
So, what do you do?