GRANDE IDEIA
We build a relationship with God by intentionally connecting with Him each day.
LEITURA
Adam and Eve—Gen. 3:8; Enoch—Gen. 5:22–24; Abraham— Gen. 17:1; Isaac—Gen. 26:24; Jacob—Gen. 35:9; Noah—Gen. 6:13; Moses—Exod. 24:12-13; Samuel—1 Sam. 3:10; David—Ps. 5:3; Isa- iah—Isa. 50:4.
PENSAMENTOS
Our relationship with God grows through regular connections. The example that we have from Jesus is that He spent time alone, away from the busyness of the day to be with God (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15–16).
As you pursue moments of connection with God, you’ll find that they will help you gain spiritual strength (Matt. 4:4b) and will provide direction and wisdom for each day (Ps. 32:8, 119:105).
You can spend time anywhere that helps you connect to God. Some people dedicate space at home. Others use headphones as they travel by bus or subway to work. Still, others spend time with God as they walk through the forest or by the ocean. Wherever you choose, God is the focus. There are a variety of elements that you can make part of your connection with God.
Oração
Prayer is talking with God. It’s a conversation that might seem challenging to start but is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. In the next section, we’ll spend some time unpacking the various ways you can learn to pray.
The Bible.
Quiet time includes reading the Bible. The Bible is a record of God’s interaction with people in history. These conversations are recorded for us to glean more about His character, nature, purpose, and thoughts. As you begin reading, you’ll find your ideas challenged and will start to learn more about who God is and His plan for your life. The Bible is like spiritual food to help fill you on the inside.
Music
Music is an emotional language that can help us get our minds focused on who God is and what He has or can do in our life. Getting a playlist of instrumental or worship music can help drown out the noise of the world around us and better get into a concentrated space. We can also connect with God when we sing to God from our hearts (Col. 3:13–16; Eph. 5:19).
Art
Some individuals like to take a verse from the Bible and illustrate it. It’s a way of bringing the thought or idea to life.
Journaling
Writing down the things you’re thinking, praying about, pondering on, or learning is a great way to summarize and remember your experience later. Some people like to write down their thoughts in a journal, and others use apps.
Communion
You can take time to remember Jesus’s suffering, death, and resurrection in as found in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
Retreats
Some people like to go on prolonged weekend retreats of silence to quiet the noise of life and increase their awareness and hearing of God.
Spiritual Conversations
We can connect with God along with other people. Sometimes reading the Bible with someone else and discussing your perspective can help you connect with God (Acts 2:42–44).
Serving
We can connect with God as we serve other people as if we were serving Jesus (Matt. 25:40).
Quiet Time Example—Here Is an Example of Quiet Time
- Talk to God (2 min.): “God, I invite you into my day. Speak to me today. I want to hear from you, and I want to know you more. I need you in every part of my life.”
- Read the Bible (5-10 min.): Read a little bit at a time. Often, less is more. By reading a shorter amount and going over it a few times, you’ll get the sense of what it’s saying.
- Listen and write down your thoughts (5 min.): It’s great to come out of each moment with a thought and then use a journal or app to record the ideas or questions raised by what you just read.
- Talk to God (5 min.): Finish off by merely talking out of your heart to God. Express. Confess. Question. Give thanks. Ask.
Intentionality
Setting down quality time with God is not something that happens unless you make it a priority. If you’ve never done it, start with as little as ten minutes a day. Don’t get down on yourself if you miss a day. Remember, it’s a lifestyle change that takes time to develop.
If you’ve never developed the rhythm and habit of prayer and quiet time, it’s often useful to buddy up with someone you can weekly debrief on your progress. It can be done in person, online, or over the phone. It’s a great way to develop a habit. A relationship grows with time. Use the journal in the Appendix to track your daily quiet time.
Discussão
- What distractions generally come up when you intend to have a regular connection with God?
- Describe the mindset shift that is needed to see quiet time motivated out of obligation to love.
PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS
DO I NEED TO SET ASIDE A ROOM IN MY HOUSE TO TALK TO GOD?
You can, but it’s not required. God doesn’t hear you more if you do. He can connect with you no matter where you are and when you spend time with Him.
IF I SPEND MORE TIME WITH GOD, WILL I GET CLOSER TO HIM?
Our relationship with God grows as we spend time with Him. While there may be times when we take extended time alone with Him, we’re not created as hermits. We also grow close to God as we spend time with people who are close to Him too.
WHAT IF I MISS A DAY?
As you walk with God, there may be days when you miss uninterrupted alone time with Him. This behaviour doesn’t make God love you any less or put you at risk of bad things happening. As we grow closer to God, we will desire more and more time with Him.