In practical
terms, spending time with God would be considered devotions, or Bible reading
and would include meditation and prayer.
As such, it helps to know just what these words mean. We have this promise: “Draw near to God, and
He will draw near to you.” (Jm. 4:8) The
best way to draw near to God is to spend time with Him. Here are some helpful steps if you don’t know
what to do:
From Part 1: Set
a Place and Time
Items to Have Ready at Your
Place
Worship or Express Gratitude
Pray Before You Read
Read the Bible
Meditate on What You Are Reading
This is NOT chanting words, emptying the mind, or breathing in
some special way. It is thinking deeply
about what you are reading and the truths it is revealing. Linger over the verses that seem to stand out
to you. Prayer: talk to God about what
you are reading. Ask Him questions about
it. Expect He will answer you: often in a still, small voice we hear in our
spirit. Often, God speaks through His
Word. Wait and listen quietly for His
‘voice’.
Ask:
What do you
learn about God?
What do you
learn about yourself: similar attitudes and actions as Bible characters?
Is there
anything to pray about for yourself or others?
Is there
anything you should act on, or make a decision about?
Is there
something for which to thank or praise God?
But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he
meditates day and night. Ps. 1:2
when I remember you
upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; Ps. 63:6 ESV
Write down what you learn, and
what you will do with that information?
Is there some change to make or action to take?
Memorize
Memorize verses you believe are
important for you to know so that you can recall them in times of need.
I have hidden Your
Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You. Ps. 119:11
Pray often and throughout this
quiet time with God. Remember, prayer is
just a two way conversation with God, the
Creator of the Universe, and our Father.
Remember to listen (which requires a stillness in body and focus on Him
instead of all the things you need to do that day!)
Pray without
ceasing. 1Th. 5:17
Evening and
morning, and at noon , I will pray and
cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice. Ps. 55:17
And this is the
confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His
will, He hears us. 1Jh. 5:14
Go and do what you have learned!!!
(After Jesus taught
the parable of the Good Samaritan about compassion, being a neighbour and mercy)
And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. Lk. 10:37