Prayer · How-to guides
How to Build a Quiet Time
A quiet time is a simple daily habit of meeting with God in His Word and prayer. It is less about rules and more about tending a friendship.
Pick a time and a place
Choose a moment you can protect, morning or evening, and a spot with few distractions. Consistency matters more than length.
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee.”Psalm 63:1, King James Version
Begin by turning your heart to God
Start with a short prayer asking Him to meet you and open your eyes. A minute of stillness settles the soul.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”Psalm 119:18, King James Version
Read a little of the Bible
Read a short passage slowly rather than a lot quickly. A few verses you actually receive beat many you skim.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”Psalm 119:105, King James Version
Talk to God about what you read
Turn the passage into prayer. Thank Him, confess, ask, and let His words shape your words.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”Colossians 3:16, King James Version
Carry one thing into your day
Take a single verse or thought with you. A quiet time is meant to spill over into how you live the hours that follow.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”James 1:22, King James Version
The One who makes this possible: Jesus
Even Jesus, in the busyness of His ministry, rose early and went to a solitary place to be with the Father. A quiet time is simply following Him into that place. It is not a duty to perform for God but time with the One who loves you and gives your day its center.
You do not have to pray alone. You can ask the family to pray with you, or step into a quiet place to pray right now.
Common questions
How long should a quiet time be?
It can be as short as ten minutes. What matters is showing up regularly, not the length. Start small and let it grow naturally as the friendship deepens.
What if I miss a day?
Grace, not guilt. A quiet time is time with a loving God, not a streak to protect. If you miss a day, simply begin again the next; He is always glad to see you.
Morning or evening, which is better?
Whichever you can keep. Many find the morning sets the tone for the day, but the best time is the one you will actually protect and return to.