When I gave my life to Christ a couple of years ago, I knew that spending as much valuable time reading the Word and praying was essential.
Can I be honest with you? It took me months to figure out the right time and place to study the Word effectively.
Noticing my lack of success with studying at night, I concluded that I needed to find time to sit down and study and pray throughout the day. I’ve had several instances where I would wait until the end of the day to spend time praying and reading the Bible. What usually happened is I would fall asleep.
If I desired a more intimate, honest relationship with Jesus, I needed to be intentional about my time with Him.
I’ve come up with three things that you can do to ensure a more effective praying and Bible study session. The tips are in no particular order because they are all critical in developing our relationship with Jesus.
Let’s Be Intentional About Our Time Praying and Studying The Word
Find a quiet, distraction-free place to study and pray!
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35 (NIV)
Every time I read the piece of scripture above, I get three things from it:
1. When you study the Word, find a nice, quiet place to do so.
2. If Jesus could get up early in the morning to pray in solitude, you can too.
3. Be intentional about your prayer time.
The quietest and most comfortable place to study in our home is the office/learning room. I make my way to this room, Bible, journal, pencil case in hand, and sit on the floor. I’m surrounded by encouraging quotes and quietness. Not only am I physically prepared, but I’m emotionally prepared for what God is going to teach me that day.
What area in your home do you find the best place to study the Word? Do you have a prayer closet? Prayer room? A particular corner of your home that you find to be comfortable and peaceful? Some of you may enjoy sitting on your porch to study. It doesn’t matter where you are studying and praying. What matters is you make the most of your time with Jesus.
Also, remove any distractions that could interfere. That would mean removing your cell phone or any other electronic device that will cause you to divert your attention away from Him.
Pick a time that works for you!
Finding the right time to spend with Jesus is the next tip. Like I mentioned before, I thought it was a good idea to wait until the end of the night to read the Bible and pray until I found myself falling asleep.
The best time for me to be effective in my studies and prayer time is when the kids nap. I’m awake and aware at that time, and there are no distractions around me.
What’s a perfect time of the day where you can be effective in your time with Jesus?
Be honest and open!
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
During your time with Jesus, be as open and honest about your needs, wants, and desires as possible. I mean, he already knows what you need/wants before you even ask Him. So, why not speak them out of your mouth!
This prayer and study time is the time to lay it all out on the table. Let Him know what’s on your heart that may be causing you trouble. If you’re stuck in a situation, Ask Jesus to guide you. Trust me, He hears you.
Be intentional about your prayer and study time with Christ. He desires to hear from you and help you. Find a quiet, distraction-free place to pray and study, pick a time in the day that works for you, and be open and honest. Let’s make the most out of our time with Christ.
-Nieshia
Armored with Faith 