A Quiet-time Place

Written by Chuck Guthrie

In our homes we have areas set aside for most of the things that are important to daily living - a kitchen for cooking, a dining room for eating, a bedroom for sleeping, usually a family room possibly with a television for entertaining. So, as believers, where's the prayer room? If prayer and time alone with God is important, does it need its own room? I'm not suggesting that you build an addition, but it’s important to not only establish a time of the day for each family members’ time with God, but also a place to do it. 

 Mark 1:25 tells us, "Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." It appears as if even Jesus chose to find a time before everything else in the day to spend with His Father. He even went to a certain place. We need not only to take that time each day, but also to find a place to do it effectively. What might this place look like? What is ideal? 

Discover What Works for You
One summer I worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in the mountains of North Carolina. Nearly every morning I could hike up to an overlook surrounded by God's creation and talk to Him. At other times, I've worked for churches and could go into the sanctuary late in the evenings when no one else was present and feel so close to God in a beautiful sanctuary set aside for worship. It's not likely that most of us have such places available in our daily morning routines. And, what is ideal for one person may not work for another. I've heard of some Christian authors who curl up in a favorite chair with a throw and their Bible.  Personally, I would be dozing off in the chair. On the other hand, there’s a story of a pastor who goes into his cold bathroom early in the morning and sits on the edge of a chilly bathtub. His goal was to not be comfortable so he could stay awake and focus on his prayer and Bible study time. Regardless of which idea suits you, a few simple tips can help you plan out an area that will best meet your needs for a daily quiet time.

First, find a place where you are not distracted. Obviously in front of the television isn't ideal. Turn the TV off, or if someone else in the family has them on, perhaps go to a quieter area of your home. Try to position yourself in a way that doesn't have you facing your daily workload. A pile of laundry, a calendar full of obligations or a messy room will grab your mental attention when they’re right before your eyes. 

At times, the business of the day comes rushing into our minds. Consider keeping a notepad and pen nearby to jot the distractions down so you can revisit them later. This can clear your mind from fearing you'll forget something important. In stories about Susanna Wesley, the mother of the Methodist's Church's founder John Wesley, it is said that she would squat down and pull her apron over her head to pray. With ten children, this was the best she could do at times to get all the tasks at hand out her sight and focus on much needed time with God. This was an indicator for her family as well to not interrupt. Perhaps you need such a sign for your spouse or children to know when you're spending quality time in the Word or in prayer. Just look at the positive influence her example had on her children. 

Lighting can be another consideration for the Bible study portion of your quiet time. Have a lamp or lighting that allows you to read comfortably. If you have a journal, book, or daily devotion that you like to utilize during this time, why not keep them all together in some sort of tote, basket, or bag. You can keep other helpful items such as pens, a highlighter, and journal, etc. all together. Not only will you have everything you need each time you get ready for quiet time, but you can easily take these items with you when you travel.

As we noted earlier, what’s best for one won’t be the same for another. There's no perfect formula. Ask a few believers how they spend quality time with God daily. See what's working for them, and then present your desire to spend time each day with Him and in His Word to God. Simply ask Him to give you insight and wisdom on the best time and place scenario for you to do this. Expect Him to show you a plan that will work best for you. Encourage family members of all ages to do the same. Before you know it you may find God enabling you to spend some of the most wonderful times in His presence - just because you asked Him and made an effort.

Chuck Guthrie’s heart is to present home decorating and improvement ideas with the ever-present theme of Jesus Christ’s lordship in the home.

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