How do I spend more time with God?

You know that you should spend more time in prayer and Bible study. You know that God wants you to make a greater effort in developing a personal relationship with Him. But you are so busy and have so much to think about, so much to do; how do I spend more time with God? You need to decide in your mind that a devotional time with God is important. Stop and remember that the basis for your devotional life is time for God – for your relationship with Him. It’s a time to know and to love Him as a person – as a friend.

First thing: Set a time. It can be first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Make it a habit, a pattern. After about 30 days you won’t even think about doing devotions; you will just do it.

Second: Don’t give up. If you forget for a few days, start again.

Third: Start with 10 minutes; then increase the time to 15 then 20 minutes.

Fourth: Stay focused; do not let your mind wander.

Fifth: First part of your prayer needs to be praise. Study the prayers of the Bible. Most start with praise. Praise puts God first in your heart; the place that is rightfully His.

Sixth: Choose your Bible reading wisely. We can learn much about the character of God in a book such as Ezekiel but because that book was directly to the nation of Israel, it does not help us much in our Christian walk. The writings of the apostle Paul, the books of Psalm or Proverbs, would be a better place to start.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.

Psalm 119:97-98