Quiet Time
What
Daily appointment with God. Fellowshipping time with God. Time set aside to be with God. A quiet time is a concept used by mostly evangelical Christians, for a regular (often daily) individual session of spiritual activities, most notably prayer and/or private study of the Bible.
When
The best time to have a quiet time is when I am at my best. Morning is recommended, because that is the example that Christ Himself set for us. It shows that God is my top priority and my mind is not yet cluttered with the day's events. Whatever time you select, be CONSISTENT Gen19:27; Dan6:10; Mk1:35
Why
- Knowing/doing the will of God Mt 7: 21; Eph 5:17
- Spiritual growth I Pet 2:2
- Holiness Ps 119: 9,11
- The Lord uses consistent quiet times to transform us into his likeness Rom 8:28
- Leads to a deeper friendship with him and to Christ-like transformation, but it also impacts our view of the world and the mission God has called us to. 1John 2:15,16; Rom 12:2
Where
- Specific place Gen 19: 27; Lk 22: 39
- Place of freedom where you pray aloud w/o disturbing others and w/o disturbance
- Sacred : Where you meet the Lord of the Universe
- Comfortable, Convenient, Affordable
How
- Plan the convenient time, Place, portion, note book, highlighters, Bible, song book.
- Prepare to meet Him with reverence, expectation, alertness, right attitude.
- Relax and wait on God Ps 46:10
- Request for the cleansing and search you up Ps 139: 23, 24
- The goal of quiet time is not to gather information but to know God better.
- There is no hard and fast rule for quiet time methods but the purpose should be to know Him .
Bible Time
Bible is written TO Original audience and FOR us. Find out what the passage meant to Original audience (Then, There, Them) before applying to us (Now, Here, Us). Bible means what it means but not always means what it says. Take one book at a time. Consider context and author intention in writing. ... Meditating WOG brings prosperity Ps 1:3; Joshua 1: 8. Bible informs, reforms, transforms our life.
Bible study steps….. Observation….Interpretation….Application. Study books/aids would help you to understand Bible in the right way.
Observation: What does the passage say? Read it slowly and repeatedly, underlining key words and phrases. Look for literal form (Narrative/Instructive/Poetry), Time words (After, then, before, immediately) Contrasts & comparisons, Conjunctions (But, when and therefore), Related entities (e.g. Father, Son, Holy Spirit), Key verses, related other passages, Strange words/things.
Interpretation: What does the passage mean? What is the author saying to his audience? Ask Questions (What, When, Where, Who, How, Why). Interpret in the light of immediate and whole Bible context. Consider cultural, historical backgrounds.
Application: What does the passage mean to me and how can it be applied to my life? Make a list of: a. attitudes to change b. sins to confess and forsake c. actions to take/avoid. d. examples to follow e. promises to claim. f. other personal applications.
Prayer Time
Prayer is the act of dependence on God. Prayer is the appointed way to receive what we need from God. We need to have regular prayer life. Prayer emphasizes our personal relationship with God. Prayer is the act of dependence on God
Contents of Prayer Mt 6: 9-13
1. Glorification of His name- Adoration
2. Extension of His rule in us, our family, neighborhood, city, state, country
3. Execution of will in us, country
4. Daily needs-health, skills, serenity, protection, peace of mind, fear of God, food, clothing etc.
5. Forgiveness – Mentality to forgive others and for our forgiveness
6. To overcome temptation - attractions of the world, Lust of the flesh
7. To be kept from the schemes of the devil and the attacks of the devil
Pray for
- Those in authority 1Tim 2:1, 2
- Missionaries and Evangelism Lk 10: 2
- Christian Workers Rom 15: 30
- Each other James 5:16
- Persecutors & Persecuted Acts 4: 29-30
- Unity among Christians John 17:20-21
