Preparation

1. Choose a time and place where you can be alone and undisturbed for at least fifteen minutes. Morning is best (Psalm 5:3).

2. Choose a book of the Bible to study. Either the Gospel of John or Romans would be good to begin with. Systematic study of the Bible, book by book, is the best way to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.

3. Obtain a notebook in which you can write down what you have learned and also to record your questions and answers.

4. Have a dictionary at hand so you can look up any new words.

5. A good sound Bible commentary on the book you are studying will be an invaluable help in the understanding of the Scriptures. You will be making use of the gifts which Christ has given (Ephesians 4:11,12).

Quiet Time

1. Pray. Begin with a short prayer asking the Lord to open your eyes and heart to hear Him speaking to you through His Word. Psalm 25:4,5 and Psalm 119:18 express beautifully the desires of someone wanting to learn God's ways and can be included in this prayer. If there is any unconfessed sin in your life, be sure to confess it to God and claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). If you have worries or problems which are on your mind, cast them in simple faith upon the Lord. Confide in Him (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7).

2. Read. Read a whole chapter each day even if you will only be able to study a few verses in it. Read the same chapter each day until you have studied all verses in sequence. If possible, read aloud. It will help to impress the Word on your heart and mind.

3. Meditate Think prayerfully about the chapter you have read. Concentrate on the part you want to study. This may be a few verses or the whole chapter. Ask yourself some questions about the verses. What is being said? Who is it written to? How does it show or portray Christ? What can I learn from it? Look up any new words. Read the Bible commentary on the verses or the whole chapter. Ask yourself some questions about the verses. What is being said? Who is it written to? How does it show or portray Christ? What can I learn from it? Look up any new words. Read the Bible commentary on the verses you have studied. The next day read the chapter again and begin meditation where you left off.

4. Write. Write down what you have learned in your notebook. Also record any questions you may have. Copy a verse which you have meditated upon onto a small sheet of paper that fits in your purse or billfold.

5. Pray. Spend the closing minutes in prayer, if possible on your knees (Acts 21:5). Before starting, be quiet in His presence, thinking of Who He is (Psalm 46:10). Begin by thanking and praising God. As you learn to know Him better, you will find more and more things to thank Him for. Thank Him for the truths you have learned from His Word and ask Him to impress these truths upon your heart and mind throughout the day (Psalm 19:14). Ask Him for guidance and strength for the hours ahead that you may glorify Him. Pray for others as the Holy Spirit directs you. The needs will become evident as you walk with the Lord. Ask in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:24).

Follow Up

1. Memorize. At convenient times during the day, try to memorize the verse you have copied down. Make it your own.

2. Share. "If you don't use it, you'll lose it." Talk to other believers about your questions and share with them what you are enjoying. This will help you to grow and it will help others also.

These are a few suggestions for a quiet time. You may find that a different order works better for you. The most important thing is to determine that, with God's help, you will have a quiet time each day and let the Lord speak to you through His Word and you to Him in prayer. This will straighten out your ups and downs, causing you to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." "The joy of the Lord" will be your strength and He will be able to use you to bear fruit for Him.

—John D. McNeil