“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
Prayer is a conversation with God, a way to communicate your praise, anxieties, emotions, and desires with the Lord. Prayer connects us to God. Just like any relationship in your life, spending time together strengthens the relationship you have with God. That is why knowing His word and praying is so important. Moreover, it is vital to pray for others, as demonstrated by Paul and Samuel. (Eph. 1:16, 1 Sam. 12:23) Samuel considered it a sin to fail to pray for the people of Israel. Matthew 5:44 also commands us to “Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.”
Prayer connects us to God and helps us seek his will. During his earthly ministry, Jesus often went by himself to pray and seek the Father— prayer is a vital discipline. “So He himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16. Jesus knew he needed time away from others to pray in private. Before we start each day, we need to be empowered by God’s word and spend a few minutes with him. We can be encouraged because Jesus’ prayer time was often interrupted, and he had compassion on the crowds and healed them. I hope this encourages you to spend a little extra time in prayer, this week and every week.
Hi friends! Today, I wanted to touch on creating a quiet time that feeds your soul! Only recently, this past year or so, I started having an intentional, established quiet time. I realized one morning as I was grumpily trudging through my work day and feeling frustrated, that I always felt much better when I spent a little time with God before starting my day. Reading the Word and focusing on Christ before the stresses of the day appear reminds us of our true purpose: To spread the gospel, to love like Jesus, and do all things without grumbling or complaining (phil. 2:14)
My quiet time routine
I typically have my Bible time in the morning while I sip my coffee, and if I can manage I’ll read again in the evening. I just read through the new testament for the second time, and in my old testament reading, I am in the book of 1 Chronicles. I really enjoying reading at least 2 books at a time, so I have also been reafing through the gospels again!
Tips for your quiet time
Keep a spiritual diary/prayer journal
It has been so beneficial for me to write down my prayers, It gives me a chance to pour my heart out to the Lord, and remember his faithfulness when I look at all the prayers he’s answered.
Pick a bible translation that is accurate and accessible for you
It is essential to use a translation that stays close to the original Greek and Hebrew word order and meaning. My personal Bible is the NKJV, but I would also recommend the ESV, NASB, LSB, and, of course, the KJV translation.
Listen to a favorite hymn or a worship music playlist
I have found that listening to worship music before or during my quiet time create a spirit of praise and gratitude before my reading, and puts my heart in a good place to receive his word.
Use a physical Bible
I know we all love bible apps and podcasts, but there is a seerious benefit to using a physical bible! It is easier to stay focused (you won’t be distracted by phone notifications.) It makes notetaking easier, and You will be able to retain the information better.
Talk to God
Use this time to talk to the Lord, share what’s on your heart, your worries, and what’s going on in your life. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
I hope these tips can encourage anyone struggling to establish a quiet time. The important thing is that you spend a little time each day filling your soul with God’s word. ❤
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the comparison trap. Looking at someone else’s like and had the thought “why can’t my life look like that?”
We’ve all been there, thoughts of comparison and insecurity can sneak in so quickly. Especially with social media and societal pressure. The pressure to always look perfect, have the perfect marriage, the perfect home and career. In the weight of that pressure we can forget that we all were made with a unique purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:4 says, “now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.”We were not all made to be the same, but to use our special gifts and talents for the glory of God.
Instead of letting comparison steal your joy, try this:
• Thank God for what you have. Gratitude helps us see the beauty in our own lives.
• Celebrate others. Her win doesn’t mean you’ve lost. There’s room for all of us in God’s Kingdom.
• Stay close to Jesus. When you keep your eyes on Him, you’ll feel more peace and less pressure.
A Simple Prayer
Dear Lord,please forgive me and help me to stop comparing myself to others and be grateful for the way you made me. Help me use my special gifts and talents that you have given me, to glorify you. Give me wisdom in rejoicing with others and focus on serving you. In Jesus we pray name amen.
