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.
I’ve gotten creative with my prayer time over the years. I often turn a section of Scripture into a prayer, sing a Bible verse with a simple melody, or memorize and ponder each word slowly. I also journal, pray while taking a walk, listen to my iPod Bible, and use devotional books, from classics by early Christians to modern tools like Mornings with Jesus.
As you can see, variety is really important to me. My husband and I often pray through a Psalm together in the morning and sing a hymn to start the day. Later in my private devotions, I like to underline in my Bible as I read (using a color code for different themes I discover), pray out loud (when I have the house to myself), or sit outside in the garden and listen for His quiet.
For me, a regular quiet time flows from staying connected to Jesus throughout the day—thinking of Him when I wake up, sending little brief prayers of gratitude to Him 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.
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