1985 January/February issue Part 2

Hints for Quiet Time

Having a quiet time with the Lord every day is absolutely essential if you expect to grow

spiritually. But you have to plan it. It won't "just

happen." We're all much too busy. Early morning
is best, and there are plenty of scriptural prece-
dents for that (Jesus rose "a great while before
day"; the psalmist said, "In the morning shalt
Thou hear my voice"). If you meet the Lord before
you meet anybody else, you'll be "pointed in the
right direction" for whatever comes. God knows

how difficult it is for some to do this, and if you
have a reason you can offer Him why early
morning won't work, I'm sure He'll help you to
find another time. Sometimes the children's
afternoon nap time can be quiet time for a
mother. At any rate, plan the time. Make up your
mind to stick with it. Make it short to begin
with-fifteen minutes or so, perhaps. You'll be
surprised at how soon you'll be wanting more.

Take a single book of the Bible. If you're new at
this, start with the Gospel of Mark. Pray, first, for
the Holy Spirit's teaching. Read a few verses, a
paragraph, or a chapter. Then ask, What does this
passage teach me about: (1) God; (2) Jesus Christ; 

(3) the Holy Spirit; (4) myself; (5) sins to confess or
avoid; (6) commands to obey; (7) what Christian
love is?

Keep a notebook. Write down some of your
special prayer requests with the date. Record the
answer when it comes. Note, also, some of the
answers you've found to the above questions, or
anything else you've learned. Tell your children,
your spouse, your friends some of these things.
That will help you to remember them. You'll be
amazed at what a difference a quiet time will
make in your life.