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Alone Time With God

by Samuel E. WardPastor, Covenant Baptist Church

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Introduction1. Great men of God were noted for engaging in

private devotions...

a. Isaac meditated in the field at evening Gen 24:63.

b. David prayed three times daily and meditated on his bed at night, Psa 55:17; 63:6.

c. Daniel's custom was to pray three times daily Dan 6:10.

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2. The Son of God made time for quiet times with His Heavenly Father...

a. Jesus sought solitary places at early morning

and late night, Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12.b. He counseled His disciples to pray in secret,

Mat 6:6.

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I. It Is Important to Have Regular Quiet Times with God.

A. This Is How We Draw Near to Him. 1. God is found by those who seek Him.

a. As David advised his son Solomon, 1 Chron 28:9.

b. As Azariah told King Asa, 2 Chron 15:2.

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2. God draws near to those who draw near to Him, James 4:8.

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B. This Is How We Receive Our Spiritual Nourishment...

1. We need spiritual nourishment in our lives, Mat 4:4.

2. Spiritual growth comes from the Word of God, 1 Pet 1:23; 2:2.

3. God's Word provides spiritual strength, Eph 6:10-17; cf. Psa 119:7-11.

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C. To Find Peace and Stability...

1. We live in a world filled with anxiety; prayer provides the antidote, Phil 4:6-7.

2. We live in a world filled with pitfalls; God's Word keeps us from falling, Psa 119:105,165.

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II. How to Have a Personal Quiet Time With God

A. Find a Time and Place...

1. The time may vary for different individuals.

a. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night.

b. For "morning larks", early morning before. c. The key is to find a quiet time, free from worldly distractions.

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2. The place may also vary for different people.

a. Some may prefer a place outside, following the example of Jesus, Mark 1:35.

b. Some may prefer a place inside, following the teaching of Jesus, Mat 6:6.

c. The key is to find a solitary place, free from distractions. To develop a habit, the time and place should be the same each day.

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B. Engage in Prayer, Meditation, and Praise... 1. Approach God in prayer.

a. Thank Him for your blessings, Col 4:2.b. Confess your sins, 1 John 1:9.c. Make supplication for your needs, Phil 4:6.d. Intercede on behalf of others, 1Tim 2:1-2.

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2. Spend time in meditation - contemplate on such things as:

a. The Lord Himself (His character), Psa 63:6.b. His wonderful works (both creative and

redemptive), Psa 77:12.c. His revealed Word, Psa 119:15,23,48,

97-99,148.d. Things that are wholesome and

praiseworthy, Phil 4:8.

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3. Praise God in song - perhaps aided by recorded hymns and songs.

a. Which is a natural response to joy in the heart, James 5:13.

b. Making melody in your heart, Eph 5:19. Talk with God through prayer, praise; listen to Him by contemplating His Word.

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Conclusion1. Living in world filled with sin, there is much

that would fill our lives with stress and anxiety and pull us away from God and things that are good.

2. Making room for private devotions in our lives will help greatly to walk closer with our Father in heaven and receive strength of heart and peace of mind in doing His will.

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If David, a man after God's own heart, and Jesus, the Son of God Himself, found it needful to spend time alone with God, how much more do we!

(Psa 119:147-148 NIV) I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. {148} My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

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Sources for Meaningful Quiet Time Meditations

1. A “Read Through the Bible in a Year” program.

2. Review of Sunday School lesson for the coming week.

3. Review of notes taken from the Pastor’s Sermon.

4. Pray through the Psalms.

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5. Pray through “Wednesday Prayer Meeting List” list.

6. Pray for one family a day from the Church Directory.

7. Choose to take action on any promptings or conviction from the Holy Spirit.