How to Spend Quality Time with God?
Practical Steps to Deepen Your Relationship With The Lord
Over the centuries, there have been many ways proposed by various people that help us spend more quality time with God. This spending of quality time with God has been given a plethora of labels: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Personal Devotion, Appointment with God, Personal Devotional Time, etc.
Essentially, each of these labels points to the same thing, namely, a daily time of personal fellowship with God through the Word and prayer. It is not simply reading the Word of God but meditating upon it.
Before we look at the ‘how’, let’s look at the ‘why’.
Why Should You Spend Time With God?
Firstly, we were made to fellowship with God (Genesis 3:8-9; John 15:4-5; 1 John 1:3).
Secondly, because we would know God more. It is true that the more time you spend with a person, the more you know about that person.
Thirdly, it is necessary for our spiritual growth (Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:97-99; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Fourthly, Jesus spent time with the Word of God and prayed (Luke 4:16-21; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16).
Fifthly, because it is our privilege to even enter into the presence of the Lord (Psalm 27:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 2:18-19; Hebrews 4:16).
Now that we’ve understood why we need to spend time with God, let’s see how to do it.
How to Spend Time with God?
There are various methods proposed by different people. We’ll look at two of the most common methods: A.S.P.E.C.T. and S.O.A.P. Please note that these are not the only ways to do it. It’s totally between you and God.
Donors like you fully support us. So, if you enjoy reading such posts, consider financially supporting us!
GooglePay: elvischika@oksbi
PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/ElvisChika007
A.S.P.E.C.T. Method
As an example of the A.S.P.E.C.T. method, I’ve taken the passage of 1 John 4:7-12. Please read it a few times before reading the explanation of this method. What you are to do is this: fill in the spaces with what you find from the selected passage. For this passage, the findings are given in brackets.
About God: This is where you know more about God. What God is like, His attributes, Character, etc. [God is Love; God is a Sacrificial Giver]
Sin to Avoid: There may be some sins that are to be avoided. Write them here. [Not loving others]
Promise to keep: The passage might have some kind of promises that God gives. [If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us]
Example to follow: There may be some examples to be followed, and others to be avoided. [God’s example of sacrificial giving is to be followed]
Command to Obey: There might be some command to obey. [we also ought to love one another]
Teaching: You might come to know something new. Jot that down here. [God loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus to be a Sacrifice]
In my opinion, once you understand this method, it is fairly simple to follow in day-to-day life. It is quite beginner-friendly.
S.O.A.P. Method
Another method that is quite easy to follow is called: the S.O.A.P. method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Let’s look at an example of how to follow this method.
Note: I’ve taken the example of Hebrews 1:1-2. Please read it a few times before you read this next part.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-2
Observation:
God is a God who speaks. He wants to speak, to communicate. He wants to warn. He isn’t distant from the creation once he made it. He is very much alive and active with creation.
God spoke to people in the past in many ways.
He spoke through prophets at many different times and in many different ways.
But in the last days, God has spoken to human beings via his own son.
There are a few characteristics of his son mentioned here.
Through Jesus, God has made the whole creation and has appointed him the heir of all things.
This doesn’t negate or diminish the deity of Jesus, rather it affirms it.
Application:
How often do I listen to the God who speaks?
Prayer:
“Lord, I confess that most of the time I’ve either not heard your voice or not obeyed it. Forgive my sins. Develop an ear in me that hears your voice, just like the sheep hear their shepherd’s voice. Help me to listen to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray.” Amen.
No matter which method you choose, it is better to note it down. Maybe make a journal or keep a separate notebook where you note down all your observations and application points.
May the Lord help us to spend more quality time with Him through these methods and prayers!
Thank you so much.
This is really amazing and helpful. Thank you so much 🙏