Mix it Up

They say that “variety is the spice of life” and I wholeheartedly agree.  Lately I’ve been feeling like my quiet times are a little stale in regards to doing the same things for months.  So I’ve challenged myself to come up with a variety of ways to spend a quiet time.  I’m excited to share them with you.

But first, let’s define what a quiet time is.  Google defines a quiet time as:

A "quiet time" for a Christian is a designated period for focused, personal interaction with God, typically involving prayer, Bible study, and reflection. It's a time to deepen one's relationship with God, listen for His guidance, and experience His presence. This practice, often seen as a way to know God more personally, is a common spiritual discipline among many Christians. 

Quiet times in my life have always left me feeling refreshed and renewed.  In our fast paced world, I think we would all benefit from prioritizing some quiet time into each of our days.  With that, I present my list of ideas:

1. Pick a Different Devotional

   • There are hundreds of devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app.  Search and you’re sure to find one you like.

   • The Gospel should never get old to us which is why I like to read New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp.

     
     

2. Pick a Different Location

   • Consider making a place in your closet – War Room style

   • Take it outdoors – surrounding yourself with nature creates a peaceful way to connect with God.

     
     

3. Fast and Pray

   • The Bible is full of commandments to fast and pray.  Schedule a time when you can skip a meal and spend time in prayer instead.

     
     

4. Journal

   • If you’re anything like me, I can get distracted easily when praying.  When I journal I find that I can focus more and write out my prayers and thoughts to God.

     
     

5. Make it Active

   • Take a walk or head to the gym to enjoy time praying or listening to worship music while you take care of your physical health

   • Consider the Forty Forty Challenge: 40 days, 40 miles that combine daily walk or runs with scripture reading.  A great way to combine scripture and exercise.

     

6. Study the Original Language of a Scripture or Passage

   • Scripture really comes alive when you look up the original language and meaning.  This site is a great resource to get started.

     
     

7. Use the “Please and Thank You” Method

   • Ask God for what you need (please) and tell Him what you’re grateful for (thank you).

     
     

8. Use the ACTS Method to Pray

   • Adoration (praise God for all that He is), Confession (confess your sins for forgiveness), Thanksgiving (give God thanks for His blessings in your life) and Supplication (ask God for what you need).

     
     

9. Treat Yourself

   • Make yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea as you spend time with God

   • Consider using your coziest blanket to settle in

   • Light some candles or do all three!

     

10. Habit Stack

    • If you’re struggling to find the time to pray and/or read scripture consider finding a habit that you already have in place and adding your quiet time with it.  It might be when you’re working out, driving, showering, etc.

      
      

11. Spend Time Memorizing Scripture

    • This practice not only helps in the present but pays dividends in the future since you’ll be able to recall scripture when you need it.

      
      

12. Spend Your Time in Worship

    • Fire up a YouTube or Spotify worship playlist and focus on the lyrics.

      
      

13. Plan to Just be Still and Quiet

    • Often our days are so filled with noise and content that we don’t leave margin for God to speak to our hearts.  Give yourself a moment to be still, quiet and open to hearing what God might be speaking to you.

      
      

14. Meditate on Scripture

    • Ponder, reflect and consider how to apply a certain scripture or area of scripture.

      
      

15. Doodle or Draw a Word or Scripture

    • Creativity is a great way to mix it up and have fun with how you spend dedicated time with God and His Word.

      
      

16. Use Breath Prayers

    • Use a short phrase and repeat with each breath.  It might look something like this: [breath in] Be still [breath out] and know [breath in] that I [breath out] am God.

      
      

17. Take a Day Off to Spend with God

    • Take any suggestions from this list and have time of reflection between you and God.  This is a great way to go deeper and set aside any distractions.

      
      

18. Make a Scripture Prayer Bracelet

    • Grab some letter beads and make a bracelet with a word from your favorite scriptures.  Or you can use the “first letter” method where you have a bead for the first letter of each word in the verse.  Those letters will prompt you to be able to recall and memorize scripture.

      
      

19. Pray a Psalms

    • Depending on what you’re going through and/or how you’re feeling you can choose a Psalms as your prayer.  This site is a great reference to find a Psalms to match your current situation.

      
      

20. Make and Use a Prayer Journal

    • I’m a big fan of writing down your prayers request so that you can look back and see how God provided.  You can add scriptures throughout to encourage your prayer life.

      

21. Make a Photo Album (digital or physical) of Family and Friends

    • Use a different picture each day to pray for the needs of those you have in your pictures.

      
      

22. Study Scripture “Lectio Divina” Style

    • Slowly read the same short passage 3–4 times, each time asking God to highlight a word, phrase, or truth for you to sit with.

      
      

23. Voice Recording Prayers

    • Record your prayers or Scripture reflections on your phone. Listening back later can remind you of God’s faithfulness.

      
      

24. Prayer Walk in Your Home

    • Walk slowly through your rooms, praying blessings over each space, the people who live there, and the moments that happen in them.

      
      

25. Picture God’s Goodness

    • Intentionally take time either in the moment or throughout your day to take a picture of all of the goodness that God provides in your daily life. You'll find a camera roll filled with blessings.

      

26. Cast Your Cares

    • We often carry throughout our day little worries that add up by the day’s end.  Take a moment to jot down a list of all your cares and then hand them over to God and His more than capable hands. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Be encouraged that there are so many varied ways that you can find moments of connection with God.  Which ideas spark interest for you?  What other ideas do you have?  Comment below so others can know too!