The best time to meet with God is at the beginning of the day. Our thoughts are clear in the morning, and a new day is waiting for us to start. If for some special reason you have to use another time, it is best that you arrange it as early as possible. Choosing an appropriate time can help you come before God without rushing it through or being interrupted.
Choose a place that you can use regularly and alone. You must start with a right motive and not do it as routine. The reason you want to spend time with God is simple – because you love Him. You love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul, so you can’t wait to go to that special, quiet place to be with Him.
It is a time for worship and prayer and not for Bible study. You can use another time for Bible study so your time of devotion will not take too long. Catherine Marshall once said, “I knew a long time ago that, unless I spend a short time of worship and prayer at the beginning of the day, that day will not go smoothly. I would usually ask at this time, ‘Lord, do you have something special to say to me today?’”
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- Read a passage of scripture or a psalm of praise.
- Prayer – you can use the following guide. For easy memory, the initials of ACTS can help you.
Adoration – Praise God’s nature, tell Him you love him, adore him, and worship Him.
Confession – Examine yourself to see if there is anything that displeases the Lord and ask for His forgiveness and regeneration.
Thanksgiving – Thank Him for what He has done, for those around you and for the things that happened.
Supplication – Bring all your petitions before Him.
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- Listening – During your prayer time, pause to listen and let Him speak to you. If time allows, you can meditate quietly on the scriptures you have just read.