Tips for a Quiet Time With Jesus!
- Get comfortable and get quiet:
- Sit in a comfy chair. Light a candle. Grab your Bible & Journal. Have a notepad nearby to capture any bombarding To-Dos that sneak into your mind, and of course, don’t forget the coffee!
- Enter “Do not disturb” Mode . . . Literally! (Phone, environment, mind, etc.)
- Play some background music; nature or instrumental. Avoid familiar tunes or songs with lyrics. I highly recommend 3 Hours of Soaking In His Presence – William Augusto. (They also have a 1-hour version.)
- “Marinate” in His presence. Think more crockpot than microwave. No rush. No agenda. Quality is more important than Quantity!
- Centering Prayer // Breathing Prayer:
- Set a timer for 3mins, 5mins, 10mins, or however long you need.
- This is a time to settle-in and center your thoughts on Him.
- Breathing in . . “I am here with You” . . and breathing out . . “And You are here with me!”
- Be thinking . . . “Lord, I am choosing to be fully here with you right now!” and hearing Him say “And of all the things I could be doing right now, I deeply desire to spend these moments with you!
- Other Breathing Prayers:
- “More of You Lord . . . and less of me!”
- “More of Your hope . . . and less of my anxiety!” (Peace/Frustration, Joy/sadness, etc.)
- Don’t force it, just articulate what’s on the surface and personal to you.
- “Come Holy Spirit . . . Fill me with your presence!”
- Important: Invite Jesus to literally be with you in this time. Imagine Him in the room, eager to spend time with you!
- Keep returning your thoughts to Him. Gaze upon His goodness. Express gratitude and adoration. Call upon His calming and comforting presence.
- Set a timer for 3mins, 5mins, 10mins, or however long you need.
- Read or listen to a reflective devotional
- Lectio 365 – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lectio-365/id1483974820
- Jesus Calling – https://www.jesuscalling.com/app/
- Devotionals are good, but don’t dwell on other’s thoughts from their quiet time with Jesus. Meditate on what is being stirred up in you; Your thoughts, feelings, fears, doubts, encouragement, etc. Journal it!
- Engage with a Psalm
- Read it then Pray it.
- What word(s) or phrase captured your thoughts? Why? (Ask Him if you’re unsure) Journal it!
- Practice an Examen (Morning and/or Night)
- What moment(s) of today/yesterday am I most grateful for?
- What moment(s) of today/yesterday am I least grateful for?
- When did I receive the most love?
- When did I receive the least love?
- What was the most life-giving part of my day?
- What was the most life-draining part of my day?
- When did sense the deepest connection with God?
- Where was there an absence of the Fruit of the Spirit?
- Others:
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- Where did you feel stuck, or stale, or in a rut?
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- Ask “Jesus, where were you in the midst of that struggle?”
- Was there a moment where I recognized my growth in an area?
- Was there a moment that I didn’t like the way I “showed up”?
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- Have a conversation with Jesus
- Dialogue with Him.
- Recognize and articulate how you’re “showing up” today. (Worried, worn-out, hopeful, etc.)
- Tell Him your thoughts & desires & fears & frustrations & . . . (All the things)
- Invite His thoughts and insight.
- Ask Him questions.
- Journal about your time with Him.
- Closing prayer!
- Express gratitude. Ask for guidance, empowerment, protection, His ongoing presence, and the courage to walk in His Way in every moment of your day!