QUIET TIME
Quiet time is the time set aside regularly to go to a quiet place and meet with God. it is a time set aside to communicate with the Father though the living Word with the assistance of the Holy Spirit and also to bring our request to God in prayer. Through quiet time we cultivate a relationship with God. in this study, we shall discuss how to have effective quiet time on a daily basis with God.
WHY DO WE NEED QUIET TIME
1. We need God’s power to cope with daily activities. I Kgs.19:7. Jn.15:5, Isa.40:31, Prov.3:5-6
2. We pattern our lives after our Lord Jesus Christ’s life by following His steps. Matt.14:23, Mk.1:25, 6:46, I Pet.2:21.
3. To cultivate a personal habit of worshiping the Lord and thereby help our personal devotion. I Pet.2:2, Josh 1:8, Ps.1:1-3, Ps.95:6.
4. To create personal adjustment to the teaching of the Bible, i.e. living by the word, reacting passively to the Bible. Jn.1:12-14, Matt.6:6, Phil.2:1, I Pet.2:2, Jam.1:21-25.
5. Create right reaction to trials and temptations the befall us. Substance already imparted in us help to react to situations and circumstances. I Pet.1:3-7, Heb.12:10-11, Jam.1:2-4.
WHAT YOU REQUIRE FOR QUITE TIME
a. The Holy Bible (it is advisable to have more than one version and a good reference of the Bible at the side)
b. Hymns book/chorus book and dictionary.
c. Notebook and biro.
d. List of prayer points.
e. Aid: Daily power, Everyday with Jesus, open Heavens compulsory you must use an aid.
Time And Place of Quiet Time
a. Frequency at least once a day Dan.6:10
b. Place: A quiet place
c. Duration: To be determined by the Believer such that it does not encroach on another activity for the day and keeping in mind that God deserves our best, not our left over.
d. Period of the day: At an acceptable time, preferable early in the Morning
Benefits of using the Morning
- Walking thoughts are focused on God
- Strength is received to meet the challenges of the day Eph.6:10-12
- Great men of God including Jesus used early morning. Mk.1:35, Ps.5:3, Gen.19:27
- God appreciates it. Prov.8:17
Some suggestion on how to Observe Quiet Time
a. Begin with a short prayer asking the Author, the Holy Spirit to explain the Bible to you. Ps. 119:18.
b. You may sing a few songs/chorus. Eph.5:19.
c. Proceed to read the bible thoughtfully, repeatedly.
d. Patiently, prayerfully, meditatively, purposefully and telescopically providing answers to the following questions where applicable.
- Is there an example for me to follow?
- Is there a sin to avoid?
- Is there a promise to claim?
- Is there a prayer to repeat?
- Is there a command to obey?
- Is there a condition to meet?
- Is there a verse to memories?
- Is there an error to mark?
- Is there a challenge to face?
d. PRAYER
List all areas in which the word of God has touched you and pray on each of them. Some of the different types of prayers that could be offered includes: thanksgiving, adoration, supplication, intercession etc.
e. Maintain a balance between the time spent in prayer and study of the Bible.
METHODS OF BIBLES STUDY DURING QUIET TIME
- By Chapters - By Topics
- By Paragraphs - Through biography
- By Verses - Study outlines, e.g. Daily Bread
- By Books - Everyday with Jesus, Open Heavens etc.
The methods suggested are not exhaustive. Use all the Bible study methods available at different times to avoid monotony.
BENEFITS OF QUIET TIME
a. Provides an opportunity for the soul to linger in the presence of God, laying the innermost being before Him
b. Entering a reverent and affectionate yet fruitful conference with Him. It creates an atmosphere where God speaks to you and you speak back to Him
c. Working knowledge of the Bible
d. We get to know God. His nature, character and ways.
HOW DOES GOD SPEAK TO US:
1. By His Word. Ps.119:105; Heb.1:1.
2. By Dreams Joel 2:28; Job 33:14-16; Gen.31:11; 37; 5-7
3. By vision. Acts 10:3, Joel 2:28; Isa.6:1-4
4. The Still Small voice. I Kgs.19:12
5. Inward Witness. Prov.20:17; I Cor.2:11
6. Audible Voice. Acts 10:13; I Sam.1:4
7. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit e.g. prophesy, word of wisdom, word of knowledge etc. I Cor.14:3-4; II Pet.1:19-21; Deut.18:20-21.
OBSTACLES TO EFFECTIVE QUIET TIME
Discuss possible obstacles to fruitful quiet time-haste, disturbance, bad planning, laziness, over-eating, monotony due to using one method of study.
CONCLUSION
A fruitful and consistent quiet time brings out a balanced spiritual development in at least three different areas:
- Health and fruitful Bible knowledge: Ps.119:9, 11, 105; Eph.3:16; II Tim.2:15; Ps.19:8; Hos.4:6.
- Fruitful prayer Life: Prov.28:9, 15:8, 29.
- An enviable Christians character: Matt.5:16, I Pet.3:2; Phil.3:29; I Pet.3:15-16.
MEMORY VERSE: I PETER 2:2
As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
