This is the third of three articles and we will look at some of the things that you may wish to do and say in your Quiet Time.

SLOW 

In the first section we looked at some of the purposes of a Quiet Time and I briefly mentioned the four topics of this article. It is all very well saying that we should pray in our quiet time but I know from talking to women that many find themselves unsure of what to say. Why not take the mixture used in many church worship services—and that taken broadly from the Lord’s Prayer? Have some time of praise. Speak words of praise to God for who He is, His nature and character. You might use the words of some of the Psalms or other portion of scripture here or sing a song of praise that you are familiar with as well. This is different and distinct from prayers of thankfulness which you should also include. Thank God for what He has done both in the past and more recently, for others and for you. Thank Him for what He provides and for what He has promised. We pray prayers of confession saying sorry to God. Our quiet time is also an appropriate time to ask God to show us if there is anything wrong in our lives that we are unaware of that He would especially like us to face at this time. Lastly we bring requests to God asking Him things for others and for ourselves.

I do not resolutely march through these four types of prayer one after another until they are all done and neither do you need to. I do try to lay aside all other things and focus on praising God first but as we pray over other things the groups mix together. We may say sorry for something then ask God to help us with that situation and, hopefully, we put in some thankfulness for His part in guiding us and forgiving us. Then another topic becomes our focus for prayer and we go over these prayer types again thinking about this new subject.

I have suggested in other places about using Bible study notes to help you read and understand the Bible. There are many types. Some are dated for you to follow, some have no dates so you don’t feel pressure to try to catch up if you miss out days. I am currently using a book I was given by a Christian friend which is dated but can be used in any or every year. This has a particular theme of coming further into the presence of God. There are chapters to read in addition to the verse for the day if I want to go deeper into the day’s topic. There is also a “read your Bible in a year” list of readings. You may want to find something which allows flexibility in the time needed day to day or you may want to commit to a certain number of chapters each day. It is up to you. I have a lovely Christian friend who has three sets of notes on the go—one she does in the morning, one after lunch and one in the evening. There are no rules you need to decide for yourself what you want to commit to.

Wait and worship

Try not to rush away but sit in the presence of God for a while. You don’t always have to be speaking, singing or reading. If you have the gift of speaking in tongues you may want to do this. Or maybe just sit and tell God you want to be with Him.

Here is a short prayer for you to make your own.

Father God, All through your Word we see you in communication and relationship with your people. I am one of your people today bought by Jesus. Help me to make time to spend with You- to be drawn ever more into that loving relationship. Amen.