Years ago, quiet time felt like a duty to check off my list of “good Christian things to do.” Over time I began to see my devotional life as a treasured blessing, as vital to me as food or air—a gift from God, not a demand. Turning a section of scripture into a prayer, singing a verse with a simple melody, memorizing and pondering each word slowly, journaling, praying while taking a walk, listening to my iPod Bible, and using devotional books from classics by early Christians to modern tools like Mornings with Jesus.
For me, a regular quiet time flows from staying connected to Jesus throughout the day. Thinking of Him when I wake up, little brief prayers of gratitude as I notice things, praying with friends on the phone or via email. That sense of walking with Him all day makes it easier to step aside from life and savor His presence for a focused time.
Focusing on Jesus brought home to me how closely He wants to be tied into our moments each day. When we begin to look for Him in every situation, He is ready to show us more about himself. There’s always more of Him to discover, and it’s mind-blowing to see Him respond to our desire to know Him.
There is so much of Him to discover, and the Bible’s power to alter my focus, my heart, and my day is incredible. There truly is something miraculous about attentively reading God’s Word.
