Steeping in Scripture: A Gentle Invitation to Quiet Time
Quiet Time with God
What I eventually realized was that God wasn’t counting the minutes. He was inviting me to moments of calm and blessing in His presence before my busy day began.
Welcome,
☕️ It’s tea time. A moment to slow our breathing, open the Word, and allow His love and truth to do its quiet, faithful work in us.
I used to think that quiet time with the Lord had to be long to be meaningful. Sadly, there were days I didn’t open my Bible because I wondered how helpful 15 minutes could really be, and most mornings felt louder than my longing to be still. The demands of our busy home life with four children, the extra responsibilities of being a missionary family, and the mental clutter of daily life helped hide my guilt about not spending quality time with the Lord. What I eventually realized, thank the Lord, was that God wasn’t counting the minutes. He was inviting me to moments of calm and blessing in His presence before my busy day began. The opportunity to breathe, quiet my thoughts, and, for my good, focus on Him.
A quiet time with the Lord isn’t necessarily about how long it lasts. It’s not about performance or a checklist. As I mentioned in my blog post, “Finding God in the Stillness,” it’s about savoring Scripture, not just reading through the words quickly. Quiet time involves meeting with my Father, opening my Bible, setting aside distractions, and asking to hear His gentle voice. It’s about being present, surrendering myself, and humbly saying, “Lord, I want to know You. Here I am.”
Today, I invite you to spend 15 minutes with the Lord by following these four simple steps. This isn’t meant to be a checklist but rather a gentle guide to encourage you to begin a quiet devotional time with the Lord.
Step 1: Settle in
Make a cup of tea or coffee, take out your Bible, and get into your favorite chair.
Breathe and pray, “Lord, please help me to know You. Open my ears and heart to You. Help me to set aside distractions right now.”
Tip: Set a time that works most days so you can stay consistent.
Step 2: Open your Bible
Read a small passage slowly. Re-read it carefully. Notice words or phrases. Remember, depth and connection come from lingering and meditating.
Note: Philippians, John, or the Psalms are good books to start with.
Step 3: Reflection - Sip and Savor time
A few questions to consider: What does this passage reveal about God, my Father, or Jesus? Who is this passage speaking to or about? With what am I being invited to trust Him? Is there a promise here? How can I apply this passage to myself?
Tip: Journal your thoughts; they will stick better.
Step 4: Finish in prayer
Example: If you had read Psalm 23:1 You might pray, “Lord, You are my Shepherd. Help me trust you today.”
Simple. Honest. Personal.
What if I miss a day?
Let’s think about this for a moment. As a Christian, this question might bring up feelings of guilt and shame. It could even cause an all-or-nothing mindset, but God’s love for us isn’t dependent on our performance. Spending quiet time with Him is an invitation to know Him, draw near, and build a relationship; it should not feel like an obligation. He is so gracious. His love is understanding, patient, and kind.
Returning to my initial thought, how beneficial can a 15-minute quiet time be? I imagine it’s like planting flower seeds. The seed is planted, the sun shines, the rain falls, and the seedling begins to grow. Roots are growing downward. Gradually, over time, the flower’s beauty appears. Day after day, God’s word continues to grow in our hearts. Growth might look like recalling a verse that helps in a difficult situation. It could also be a gentler response or a deeper trust in the Lord’s faithfulness. His beauty will shine through our lives as we stay connected to Him.
My friend, you can do this. Start today, right now. Begin with 15 minutes and stay consistent. Your Father is waiting for you.
Loving Father, I ask that You grant us a deep desire to know You more and to start a quiet time with You today.
Amen
