What is the secret to living powerful lives? The fitness gurus tell us it is exercise and eating properly. The motivational speakers tell us it is positive thinking. I am for exercise, proper eating (as long as it does not completely rule out French fries) and even having a positive outlook on life, but these are not enough.

What if I told you that you could “power-up” your life everyday through a relationship; would you be interested? Would intimacy, fellowship, connectivity, solitude and renewed passion be appealing? I am not talking about dating or even marriage, I am referring to the privilege extended to us by Jesus. We can have an intimate encounter with Him every day that will energize our lives, refresh our spirits and renew our passion. Sound inviting?

I am talking about our Quiet Time each day, our special time with our Savior. All of us want the benefits of this relationship but often struggle establishing this godly habit in our lives. There are so many things vying for our time and attention. Most of us have good intentions but fail in setting aside the demands of life that steal our focus on God and His Word.

I do not have any secret to having a successful Quiet Time, but I do want to share some concepts to aid us in our spiritual journey.

• Determine the best time of your day and then give that time to God.
• Begin by setting aside a brief time and then expand it as your grow in this relationship. It is better to spend 15 minutes a day than to forgo the time because you want to have an hour.
• Procure a devotional that will help guide your journey. This devotional should allow for you to journal your observations. Word of Life has some excellent Quiet Time journals for all ages, beginning with age 4 through adults.
• Find an accountability partner who will lovingly encourage you with your commitment.

Allow me to suggest a possible template for your special time with the Lord. This is not three easy steps to a successful Quiet Time, but perhaps dividing the time like this will benefit you.

• Worship – Spend the first 5 minutes (or 35 depending on the time you have set aside) in worship of the Lord. Clear the clutter from your mind and focus on Him. Perhaps review some of His attributes or blessings.
• Wrestle – I am referring to wrestling with the Word. Ask questions, follow the cross references or read a commentary on the passage. The idea is to do more than just read the passage and move on.
• Walk – Make personal application that you can practice. One of the challenges we all face is living out what we say we believe.

Make Quiet Time a priority in your life. Before you protest that this sounds like legalism or checklist Christianity, remember I am talking about a relationship, not a ritual.