Taking time for God

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

Have you made it a practice to set aside a few minutes each day to meet God one-on-one, talking with Him through prayer and listening as He speaks to you through His Word?

“Good idea!” you say. “But where do I start, and what do I do?” First, get a modern edition of the Bible. Personally, I like the English Standard Version or the New International Version. There are some Bibles with marked sections for reading through the Bible in a year.

Another approach is to read through one book at a time. Study the Psalms or the Gospel of John, reading through it several times. So how long should you read? Enough to allow God to speak to your heart but not so much that you feel suffocated.

Ask three questions each time you read. “What does it say? What does it mean? How does it apply to my life?” You may want to keep a notebook with your Bible and then jot down your thoughts – just a few words, a sentence or two. It’s a good discipline.

It’s also helpful to make a few notes of what you want to pray about. That also helps you remember how you had specific needs and how God met them as you prayed.

There’s one more part to this discipline that I recommend: it’s reflection – meditation, if you will – and memorization of Scripture. Then pray. So what do you pray about? Everything that is of concern to you. Start with a few items of praise and thanksgiving. Then tell God exactly how you feel and what you want. He knows you better than you do yourself, but He says, “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24 ESV).