A Quiet Time Routine

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." ~ Psalm 19:14

This verse is the foundation of my pursuit of Christ … that my actions (words) and attitudes (thoughts) may always be pleasing to Him. And, for me, that always begins with time spent in the Word of God. I crave that quiet time alone with my Bible and journal. I need it … just ask my husband or daughter what I’m like when I miss a day or two ~ it gets ugly quick!

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of mentoring about 15 women and each of them struggled with the concept of “quiet time” … making it work and feeling like it was useful. We all know we should spend time in the Word and in prayer but it sure is hard to know HOW to do it. The biggest issue most of these ladies have had is that they feel like they are not hearing from God … and they end up discouraged and ultimately they give up.

Perhaps you can relate to that frustration. I know there have been times in my life when I certainly felt like I was spinning my wheels spiritually. Beth Moore has said that we must base our lives on God’s truth not our feelings … and that may be no more relevant anywhere than in our quiet times with God. How often do we gauge the success or effectiveness of our quiet times on our feelings? Far too often, I’m afraid. But, how we feel isn’t the standard … God’s Word is. And Scripture is replete with admonitions to spend time in the Word and in prayer … of the necessity of knowing Scripture as a means of protection and blessing in our lives.

I usually end up sharing what I do and encouraging women to start from there. Not because what I do is the only way … but it is a starting point. So, here’s my general quiet time routine:

I get up before everyone else (at least during the school year … summer finds my rhythm out of whack!). I have a motto of sorts, “I never speak to anyone until I have listened to God.” There is something very peaceful and comforting about praying for my family and spending time with God while everyone is still asleep.

I journal first thing … whatever is going on. If I’m worried or happy or even just what is going on that day. I write out the things that are on my mind, which helps me get my heart and mind settled so I can be still and listen.

I read from a classic (preferably over 100 years old). This year I am using “Streams in the Desert” and have been greatly touched by this classic devotional. I prefer using something “old” because there is trustworthiness to these writings that have endured. I journal whatever stands out to me.

I read a chapter of Proverbs … correlating with whatever the date is. This is a Billy Graham idea and I have been doing it for about the last 10 years. Again, I journal what the Lord speaks to me. If you ever feel like you don’t understand what the Bible is saying … read a chapter of Proverbs! I can almost guarantee you’ll find something you can immediately apply.

Finally, I pray. I use my schedule for the day to lay out what each of us will be doing. I use my prayer list from church and I pray through the needs in my life.

Nothing amazing or mysterious. I usually spend some additional time during my day studying or going through a Bible study. But I start my day with Proverbs, a classic, and prayer.

Let me close with a word of encouragement and challenge from Psalm 119:10 - 11 …

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.”

Oh that we may be seekers of the Lord and hiders of His Word!!

Thanks to Teri Lynee for guest posting for us today! Be sure to visit her blog at Pleasing to You and connect on Twitter @TeriLynneU

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