How to Make Time to Be in the Word Every Day

Quiet time is something that I struggle with all the time. I was not trained or taught to have a regular quiet time with God each day. It was something that I stumbled upon when my first son was a few months old and I needed something to do during all the hours of nursing each day. As he got older and nursed less, and I was busy with law school, eventually my quiet time ebbed and flowed. Ok, it ebbed more than it flowed, but you know…

Throughout the years I have come to realize that quiet time with God is a must in order for me to get through the day without going bonkers.

Quiet Time Strategies for Busy Mamas

1. Keep all your supplies in one place

Nothing will derail your attempts at quiet time each day if you can’t find the stuff you need. A few years ago I bought a set of baskets and used the bigger one to keep all my Bible study supplies. In this basket is my Bible, my prayer journal, highlighters, pens, colored pencils, index cards, tissues, notebook paper, and a few books/Bible studies that I’m working through.  When I get ready for my quiet time all I have to do is grab my basket and head to the couch.

2. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time

If you try and find the perfect time to have quiet time during the day it’s never going to happen. Take time when you can. If you only have 5 minutes in the morning, use them. Read a scripture, write it on a notecard, and meditate on it throughout the day.

3. Read a book

For the longest time, I believed that if I wasn’t in the Bible then I wasn’t doing my quiet time right. There are some wonderful Christian books out there full of encouragement and scriptures. Get one and read as much as you can during the day.  Nonfiction, not your thing? No problem! I have found some great scriptures and encouragement in some fiction books as well. Neta Jackson’s Yada Yada Prayer Group series was such a blessing to my soul when I read through them. And the Yada Yada House of Hope series brought me to my knees in prayer many times.

4. Join a small group

Sometimes a little peer pressure support and encouragement can be a good thing. Small group Bible studies are a good way to dig into the Word.  Join a group at your church, a friend’s church, or a church in your area. When my boys started Royal Rangers I got to participate in two Beth Moore studies. It was a great time for spiritual growth and fellowship for me. If you can’t get out to a church for a small group study join an online group (or start your own).

5. Get the kids involved!

One of my favorite ways to study my Bible is to do studies with my boys. It sets a great example for them about setting aside time for God each day and they keep me on point!

6. Listen to the Word

If you wake up late or find yourself rushing, listen to the scriptures at home or sermons in your car. There are tons of apps out there that will let you listen to the Bible from your phone, and many speakers have CDs or downloads of sermons that you can listen to in the car while you’re on the go!

7. Give yourself lots of grace

My last tip is to cut yourself some slack. If you have a house full of little ones you may not be able to spend hours each day in prayer and Bible study. That’s ok. God will honor your efforts and bless you more than you can ever imagine. If you fall off the wagon (like I’ve done so many times) just start fresh tomorrow. His mercies are new every day!