We are to engage is practices of Bible reading, meditation, and prayer. There is no substitution for communing with God and practicing private worship. We should the reasons for having a devotional time, know the requirements for an effective devotional time, and express a commitment to have a daily quiet time with God.
- People communicate with those whom they love, so we should have a desire to spend time with our heavenly Father.
- Why do you love God? (1 John 4:19)
- How do you know that God loves you? (1 John 4:9-10)
- The first reason for having a quiet time is to get to know God: Fellowship with others is based on fellowship with who? (1 John 1:3)
- The second reason for having a quiet time is to receive direction and guidance in daily decisions.
- What did the psalmist ask God to do for him? (Psalm 143:8)
- What happens when we pray in accordance to God’s will? (1 John 5:14)
- The third reason for having a quiet time is to bring needs before God; he wants to supply our needs.
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Psalm 34:17
- Hebrews 4:16
- Isaiah 40:31
- The fourth reason for having a quiet time is to enable ourselves to bear fruit (John 15:4-5).
- Jesus enjoyed a unique relationship with the Father.
- Mark 1:35
- Luke 6:12
- Matthew 14:23
- Mark 6:46
- If it was important for Jesus, we also should schedule our times with God.
- Psalm 5:3
- Psalm 57:7-8
- Genesis 19:27
- How about you? (time, place, and procedure)
- What time of day is best for you?
- What place is best to communicate with God?
- What must you give up to add these times of devotion into your day?
- What distractions prevent you for encountering God in your quiet time?
- What pattern have you developed for having a meaning quiet time?
- How do you stay focused during your quiet time?
- What should I include in my quiet time with God?
- Psalm 66:18
- Mark 11:25
- John 14:13
- 1 John 3:22
- John 8:31
- 1 Peter 2:5
- How might God’s Word give me direction in my life?
- Psalm 119:11
- Psalm 119:130
- Psalm 40:8
- Colossians 3:16