Finding Quiet Time with God

Recently I have been finding it very frustrating not seeming to be able to find time to immerse myself in prayer.  I have managed to get into a habit of praying on the go- for example in the shower, in the car, while I cook - which is all well and fine but is not as fulfilling or meaningful as just being able to settle down to spend some quiet, uninterrupted and focused time with God.

I realised that I keep hoping that I will somehow find the time, or that I will get done, everything I need to do on my to-do list so that I can finally grab a half hour of quiet time.  The problem is that I never get to the end of my to do list and I eventually fall into bed exhausted and frustrated because I never got around to that quiet time.

Last Friday I was invited over for lunch with a lady called Claire from my Church and area Zone.  She is a really wonderful and inspiring woman, a very mature Christian and a great teacher.  God definiteley gave me a helping hand as on the way over to Claire's house Nathaniel fell asleep in the car.  I carried him into the house and he stayed fast asleep on the sofa while we talked and I had to wake him up when it came to eating lunch.

It was really fantastic to have a couple of hours chatting with Claire and seeking her advice on all manner of topics.  In particular Claire shared with me that she always starts the day in prayer.  She has a special chair downstairs in her living room and she makes sure she gets up early every day to start the day in God's presence.

My problem has been that I have always preferred to pray on my bed as it is cosy and comfortable.  But I also like to pray in private and there just never seems to be chance to be on my own in my bedroom.

Anyway the last couple of days I have set my alarm clock for an hour earlier than I would usually wake up and I have come downstairs, made myself a black coffee, wrapped myself up in cosy fleecy blankets and I have enjoyed fantastic time in prayer and have also had time to read my daily Bible in One Year bible reading.

It is early days and I think they say it takes about eight weeks for a new practice to become a habit.  It is not that it is something I want to be 'religious' about - it is just that I definitely feel calmer and better equipped to face the day knowing that I have put all my little challenges, worries, anxieties and decisions in God's capable hands.