A quiet time with God is a regular, unhurried space to pray and listen, and Jesus himself modeled it. “Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35, ESV). Start with ten quiet minutes today: Scripture, prayer, and stillness.
Key Verse
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, ESV)
Jesus Made Space
The day before Mark 1:35, Jesus had healed many and the whole town crowded at the door. The demands were endless. Yet early the next morning, he slipped away to pray. If the Son of God needed time alone with his Father, how much more do we? Quiet time is not a religious duty but a lifeline.
A Simple Plan
You do not need a perfect routine. Try this: Be still for one minute and breathe, asking God to speak. Read a short passage, such as a psalm or a few verses from a Gospel. Reflect on one phrase and what it shows you about God. Pray, giving thanks, confessing, and bringing requests. Then listen in silence for a moment before you go.
A journal can help you notice what God is teaching you over time.
When Life Is Busy
Jesus chose a desolate place and an early hour. Your time and place may look different: a lunch break, a car before work, or after the kids are asleep. The key is a regular, protected time away from distractions. Put your phone in another room if you can.
Some days will feel dry. Keep showing up. Quiet time is about relationship, not feelings. Over weeks and months, those minutes shape your heart and anchor your day.
Today, Try This
Choose a specific time and place for ten minutes of quiet time tomorrow. Read Psalm 23, pray through it, and sit in silence for one minute.
Reflection Question
What is one obstacle to regular quiet time with God, and how could you remove it this week?
Prayer
Father, like Jesus, I want to make space to be with you. Quiet my mind and speak through your word. Help me guard time with you each day, and meet me there even when I feel distracted or dry. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quiet time with God?
A quiet time is a regular, focused time spent with God, usually including Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection. Jesus modeled it by withdrawing early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35, ESV). It is about relationship, not ritual. Even ten minutes can anchor your day.
How long should quiet time with God be?
There is no required length. Starting with 10 to 15 minutes is realistic for many people, and it can grow over time. Consistency matters more than duration. Even Jesus’ brief withdrawals in Mark 1:35 (ESV) show the value of regular time alone with the Father.
What should I do during quiet time?
A simple pattern is stillness, Scripture reading, reflection, prayer, and listening. Read a short passage, focus on one phrase, pray with thanksgiving and requests, and journal what stands out. Psalms and the Gospels are great places to begin. Keep it simple and consistent.
What are tips for establishing a quiet time with God?
Pick a fixed time and place, start with 10-15 minutes, and keep it simple: be still, read a short passage, note one truth, and pray it back to God. Use a reading plan so you don’t wonder what to read. Jesus, “rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark,… departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35, ESV).
Keep Reading
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