Do you call yourself a child of God?
As a child, you are obligated to spend time with the Father every day in "quiet time."
Just as Jesus, the Son of God, allocated His time every day for quiet time, we who are disciples as well as children follow the exact same example.
Quiet Time (Quiet Time/Devotional Time) is time that we set aside regularly and specifically to meet personally with God through prayer and His word.
Primary Purpose: Not merely to complete a religious duty, but to build an intimate relationship and hear the voice of God, so that we draw closer to Him and are transformed into the likeness of Christ.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION OF QUIET TIME
The concept of Quiet Time is deeply rooted in the practices of biblical figures, especially the Lord Jesus Himself.
The primary foundation is the example of Jesus Christ, who intentionally separated Himself to pray. We see this in several key events:
- Before Starting the Day: Early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus went out to a solitary place to pray alone.
Mark 1:35 (NET) - “In the early morning, while it was still quite dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”
- After Ministering to the Crowds: Jesus frequently directed His disciples to precede Him in crossing the lake, while He went up on a hill by Himself to pray until evening.
Matthew 14:22-23 (NET) - “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dispersed the crowds. And after he had sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”
- Under Heavy Pressure: Before the crucifixion event, in the garden of Gethsemane, even though He brought His disciples, Jesus chose to step a little further forward to pray alone to His Father.
Matthew 26:36, 39 (NET) - “Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' ... Going a little farther, he threw himself face down on the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will.'”
In addition to Jesus, we also see individuals like David who, in the midst of his busyness as a king, consistently arranged personal time with God in the morning (Psalm 5:3) and meditated on the Law of the Lord day and night individually (Psalm 1:2).
Two Main Components of Quiet Time
A balanced Quiet Time typically involves two main elements that complement each other:
1. The Word (Meditating on the Word)
This is the part where we reflect on the Bible through reading, hearing, or seeing.
Purpose: To receive direction, strength, comfort, and correction from God.
Joshua 1:8 (NET) - “This book of the law must not depart from your mouth! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful.”
Psalm 119:105 (NET) - “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Think about questions such as: What does this verse say about God? What does this verse say about me? Is there a command to obey or a promise to claim?
2. Conversation (Speaking to God)
James 4:8 (NET) - “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
In quiet time, we do not just pray one-way, but two-way, just as Moses and Jesus did.
This means we express the contents of our hearts and minds to the Father in prayer, then remain silent for a moment to ponder each prayer point or problem while allowing ourselves to hear the voice of God through our hearts.
Example:
- Beginning with praise & worship to the Lord.
- Expression of gratitude for God's goodness thus far, especially yesterday or today.
- Be silent for a moment (reflecting, can be 2-3 seconds or a few minutes).
- When reminded of sins that have been committed, immediately ask the Father for forgiveness and plead for deliverance.
- Reflect again (for a few seconds or minutes).
- Ask the Father to reveal what you need to repent of and change.
- Be silent for another moment (a few seconds or minutes).
- When reminded of a specific Word stating in what area you must change, immediately give thanks for His Word, ask for forgiveness for only realizing it now, and then ask the Father to provide strength through the Holy Spirit to be able to change.
- Reflect again (for a few seconds or minutes).
- Remembering domestic or family problems from yesterday or today, immediately vent them to the good Father.
- Be silent for another moment (a few seconds or minutes).
- Suddenly, we might recall a sermon or someone's advice, or be reminded by the Father of a specific Word that becomes the answer to that problem; immediately give thanks for His answer. But if in doubt that it is His answer, ask the Father to provide clarity.
- Reflect again (for a few seconds or minutes).
- And repeat continuously as above, until there is no more "topic of conversation" from you.
- Express gratitude for the beautiful time with the Father, have faith in His answers, and then close in the Name of Jesus.
WHY DOES QUIET TIME FAIL?
Building a habit of Quiet Time does not always run smoothly. There are times when we feel the time we spend feels bland or does not change anything. Frequently, this happens not because God does not want to speak, but because the condition of our hearts and minds obstructs it.
The following is an explanation of why Quiet Time frequently fails:
1. Lack of Focus (Divided Mind)
Distraction is the ultimate enemy of intimacy. In the digital era, our focus is often diverted by phone notifications, lists of unfinished work, or wandering thoughts. When our attention is divided, we are not truly present before the Lord.
- The Consequence: The Word heard merely passes through the ears without absorbing into the heart, and prayer becomes a mere automatic utterance.
- Biblical Message: Jesus warns in the parable of the sower that "the worries of this life... choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19).
2. Rushing (Mere Formality)
Quiet Time fails when we treat it as a "duty" that must be completed quickly so that we can engage in other activities. We get trapped in a routine without longing.
If we give God only "the remnants" of our time in a hurried manner, we do not provide space for the Holy Spirit to speak.
- The Consequence: We lose depth. A rushed relationship will never produce an intimate knowledge.
- Biblical Message: The Psalms invite us to be still and quiet. "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10). Stillness requires time, not haste.
3. Hardness of Heart and Pride
This is the most dangerous barrier. Hardness of heart occurs when we hear the Word but have no intention of obeying it if it does not align with our desires. Pride arises when we feel we already know everything, so we no longer come with the attitude of a "disciple" who wants to be taught.
- The Consequence: We might obtain intellectual information about the Bible, but we do not experience character transformation because our hearts are closed to God's correction.
- Biblical Message: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Without humility to be molded, Quiet Time will only become an empty ritual.
How to Overcome It
- Prepare the Heart: Before starting, pray briefly: 'Lord, help me to focus and soften my heart today.'
- Eliminate Distractions: Put away your phone or any object that can split concentration.
- Quality over Quantity: It is better to meditate on one verse sincerely for 10 minutes than to read an entire book in a hurry without comprehension.
READING THE BIBLE IS NOT MANDATORY
God never called us to be "book readers," but rather to be "meditators of the Word".
Rigidity in the "reading" method often makes people who have limitations (physical, cognitive, or access) feel guilty or considered less spiritual, even though the essence of Quiet Time is absorbing the Word into the heart.
Often we get trapped in human rules that consider Quiet Time valid only if done by physically reading the Bible. However, the Bible itself emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Word, not just literacy skills.
1. Focus on "Meditating" (Hagah)
In the Hebrew language, the word meditate (hagah) means to mutter, ponder slowly, or think deeply. The Lord's command to Joshua was to meditate on the Law day and night (Joshua 1:8), not just to complete a reading assignment.
Main Message: God desires His Word to settle within our hearts, regardless of the medium.
2. Appreciating Limitations and Diversity
We must remember that in biblical times, the majority of people were illiterate and did not possess personal scripture scrolls. They knew God by listening to the reading of Scripture in places of worship. Therefore, Quiet Time must not become rigid for those who:
- Have physical limitations (for example: the visually impaired).
- Have cognitive limitations or difficulties understanding written text.
- Do not have access or good reading skills (do not own a Bible, cannot read).
3. Diverse Media in Quiet Time
Quiet Time is a moment of two-way communication. You can meditate on the Word through various ways according to your capability and comfort:
- Hearing: Using an audio Bible, devotional podcasts, or audio sermons. Remember that "faith comes from hearing" (Romans 10:17).
- Seeing: Reading devotional books or watching Bible study video series (such as The Chosen or Bible exposition videos) that help visualize God's truth.
- Remembering: Recalling sermons or the Word that has been read, heard, or seen in the past, and then meditating on it.
4. Avoiding a Rigid "Textual Religion"
Do not let the ritual of "reading one chapter" become merely ticking off a checklist without any change of heart. If you are only able to meditate on one verse through hearing but that verse transforms your character, it is far more valuable than reading ten chapters hastily without understanding.
The Bottom Line: Quiet Time is about presence & transformation, not method. God looks at the heart that longs to understand His will, whether it is done through the eyes, ears, or mental reflection.
PRAYER WITH THE HEART
In Quiet Time, prayer is not a mantra or a formal obligation like a report from a subordinate to their superior, but rather a moment where we come as a child to their Father. Prayer is a communication bridge where we pour out everything that is within our inner soul.
1. Pouring Out the Contents of Heart and Mind
The Lord Jesus invites us to come just as we are. Before the Father in Heaven, we do not need to pretend. We are allowed to pour out all anxieties, joys, questions, even the heaviest burdens.
Psalm 62:8 (NET) - “Trust in him at all times, you people! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our shelter!”
Matthew 11:28 (NET) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Philippians 4:6 (NET) - “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.”
Matthew 7:7 (NET) - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
2. Humility and Reverent Attitude
Although we can come freely to the Father, we must remain aware of whom we are speaking to. He is the Most Holy God and Creator of the universe. Humility acknowledges that we need Him and submit to His authority.
1 Peter 5:6 (NET) - “And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him, for he cares for you.”
3. Not Babbling (Not Wordy)
The Lord Jesus specifically warned us not to pray with convoluted or empty words. The Father already knows what we need even before we say it. A necessary and honest prayer is more valuable than a long prayer that does not come from the heart.
Matthew 6:7-8 (NET) - “When you pray, do not babble repetitiously like the Gentiles, because they think that because of their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NET) - “Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth! Therefore, let your words be few.”
Prayer in Quiet Time is a heart-to-heart conversation. Do not feel burdened to compose poetic sentences. Simply speak honestly, as necessary, and respectfully, like a child speaking to a father whom they deeply love and revere.
Next Steps: Action Plan
- Determine the Time: When is your best time for Quiet Time? (Example: Every day at 06:00).
- Determine the Place: Where can you be alone without distractions?
- Choose the Reading Source: Which part of the Bible will you read tomorrow? (Example: Continuing the Gospel of Matthew).
Hopefully, with this "Quiet Time" study material, you will become increasingly intimate with the Father, increasingly joyful, and increasingly like Christ.
Awan (Andreas Hermawan)