How to Start Daily Time with God
Beginner’s guide to daily time with God: simple quiet time steps, Bible reading tips, and prayer habits to build a consistent, life-giving walk with Him.
BY B. GIRON JR.
12/29/2025
A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Sustainable Rhythm with God
If you’re a young or new Christian, you’ve probably heard phrases like “quiet time,” “devotions,” or “daily time with God.” You might even feel a little guilty every time you hear them.
Maybe you’ve thought:
“I want to spend time with God, but I don’t really know how.”
“I tried reading the Bible, but I got confused and gave up.”
“My schedule is crazy. How am I supposed to fit in an entire quiet time every day?”
“Isn’t going to church enough?”
You’re not alone.
Many believers new and old struggle to build a consistent rhythm of spending time with God. But the good news is: daily time with God is not about perfection, length, or fancy spiritual routines. It’s about relationship, honesty, and small, faithful steps.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of starting (and sustaining) daily time with God, in a way that’s simple, practical, and realistic.
We’ll cover:
What “quiet time” actually is (and what it’s not)
Why daily time with God matters for your growth
Common myths that might be holding you back
A simple step-by-step plan to start tomorrow
Practical tips for when you’re busy, distracted, or discouraged
Example quiet time formats you can try
By the end, you’ll have a clear, doable path to build a daily rhythm with God that fits your real life not an idealized version of it.
1. What Is “Quiet Time” with God, Really?
1.1. Quiet Time Is About Relationship, Not Ritual
“Quiet time” is a simple phrase Christians often use to describe intentional, personal time spent with God usually through Bible reading, prayer, and reflection.
At its core, quiet time is:
Relational – It’s about knowing God, not just knowing about Him.
Intentional – It’s time you set aside on purpose to be with Him.
Regular – It becomes part of the rhythm of your daily life, like eating or sleeping.
Think of it like this: if you never talk to your best friend, never listen to them, and never spend time together, the relationship will feel distant. The same is true with God.
Quiet time gives space for:
Hearing God through His Word (the Bible)
Speaking to Him in prayer
Being shaped by His presence and truth
1.2. What Quiet Time Is Not
A lot of people avoid daily time with God because they misunderstand what it’s supposed to be.
Quiet time is not:
A performance. God is not grading you on how spiritual you sound when you pray.
A magic ritual. Doing a quiet time doesn’t make God love you more or guarantee a perfect day.
A Christian checkbox. It’s not just “one more thing” on a religious to-do list.
Always emotional. Some days you’ll feel God’s presence deeply; other days it may feel dry. Both can still be meaningful.
God already loves you fully in Christ. Quiet time isn’t a way to earn His love; it’s a way to enjoy it.
2. Why Daily Time with God Matters for New Christians
You might be wondering, “Is it really that important to spend time with God every day?” Biblically and practically, the answer is yes.
2.1. The Bible’s Picture of Spiritual Growth
The Bible compares our spiritual lives to:
A tree planted by streams of water
“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord… That person is like a tree planted by streams of water.” (Psalm 1:1–3)
Trees grow slowly, but steadily, by remaining near a constant source of nourishment.
Newborn infants needing milk
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)
Just like babies need daily food, Christians need regular spiritual nourishment.
A branch connected to a vine
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5)
Staying “connected” to Jesus is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing relationship.
Daily time with God is one way we “abide” or “remain” in Him.
2.2. What Happens When You Spend Time with God Regularly
Over weeks and months, consistent quiet time can:
Shape your identity – You’re reminded of who you are in Christ, not who the world says you are.
Renew your mind – God’s truth replaces lies you’ve believed about Him, yourself, and others.
Strengthen your faith – You start recognizing God’s faithfulness, even in hard seasons.
Calm your anxiety – Prayer and God’s promises help you process stress in a healthy way.
Guide your decisions – Biblical wisdom helps you navigate friendships, dating, work, and life choices.
These changes often happen gradually, like slow growth in a plant. You might not see it day by day, but looking back, you realize: “I’m not the same person I was six months ago.”
3. Common Myths That Sabotage Your Quiet Time
If you’ve tried and failed at maintaining a daily time with God, it’s likely not because you’re “bad at being Christian.” Often, it’s because of unrealistic expectations or misunderstandings.
Let’s expose a few common myths.
3.1. Myth #1: “If It’s Not Long, It Doesn’t Count”
Many people imagine a “real” quiet time as:
Waking up at 4:30 AM
Spending 1–2 hours in silence
Journaling pages of deep revelations
Praying for every country on earth
For most people especially students, young professionals, or parents this isn’t realistic.
Truth: God can do a lot in 10–20 focused minutes.
If you’re just starting, it’s better to be consistent for 10 minutes a day than intense for 2 hours once a week.
3.2. Myth #2: “I Have to Feel Something Every Time”
We often think a successful time with God means:
We felt emotional
We got “goosebumps” in worship
A verse jumped off the page
We had some huge revelation
But relationships don’t work that way all the time. Think about your closest friends: not every conversation is life-changing. Some are ordinary, but they still build intimacy.
Truth: Faithfulness is more important than feelings. Feelings will come and go, but God’s presence and Word are steady.
3.3. Myth #3: “I Need to Understand Everything I Read”
The Bible is rich, ancient, and sometimes confusing. New Christians especially can feel overwhelmed and think, “If I don’t understand it fully, I’m doing it wrong.”
Truth: It’s okay not to understand everything right away.**
Start with clearer books like the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), Psalms, or letters like Philippians and James.
Ask questions. Look things up. Talk to mature believers. Learning is part of the journey.
3.4. Myth #4: “I Already Missed Days It’s Too Late”
Maybe you started strong, then got busy, forgot, or just lost motivation. Now you feel like you’ve failed.
Truth: There is no “too late” with God.**
Quiet time is about relationship, and relationships can always be picked up again. God isn’t shocked you’re human. He invites you to come back today without shame.
4. Foundations of a Sustainable Quiet Time
Before we get practical, let’s quickly look at three key foundations that help your quiet time last more than just a week or two.
4.1. Foundation #1: Grace, Not Guilt
Your identity as a Christian is based on the finished work of Jesus, not on how consistent your quiet times are.
When you miss a day, God doesn’t love you less.
When you have a great quiet time, God doesn’t love you more.
Understanding this frees you from:
The guilt that makes you avoid God when you struggle
The pride that makes you think your performance impresses Him
You don’t spend time with God to get His love you spend time with God because you already have His love.
4.2. Foundation #2: Progress Over Perfection
Think of your quiet time like exercise:
Doing something is better than doing nothing.
Small, consistent effort beats intense, rare effort.
You’ll have good days and bad days but the key is to keep going.
If you miss a day, don’t “start over next month.” Just start again tomorrow.
4.3. Foundation #3: Rhythm That Fits Your Season
There is no one-size-fits-all quiet time. A college student’s routine will look different from a new parent’s or a full-time worker’s.
Ask:
When am I most alert? Morning, lunch, or night?
What is my current season like? Chaotic? Busy? Slower?
How much time can I realistically commit at first? 10 minutes? 20 minutes?
Start with a rhythm you can actually sustain, and let it grow over time.
5. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Daily Time with God
Now let’s get practical. Here’s a simple blueprint you can start using as early as tomorrow.
Step 1: Choose a Time and Place
Consistency is easier when your quiet time is attached to something concrete like a specific time and place.
Time:
Morning (before your day gets crazy)
Lunch break (at school or work)
Evening (before bed or right after dinner)
Place:
A corner of your room
A specific chair or desk
A quiet spot in a library or coffee shop
Outside in a park (if weather and safety allow)
Try to make it:
Quiet enough that you can focus
Comfortable enough to relax, but not so cozy you’ll fall asleep every time
You might say:
“I’ll spend time with God at 7:15–7:35 AM, on the couch by the window, after I brush my teeth and before I check my phone.”
The more specific, the better.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
You don’t need a lot, but a few simple tools can help:
A Bible – A readable modern translation is helpful (e.g., NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB).
A notebook or journal – For writing down verses, thoughts, questions, and prayers.
A pen or highlighter – To mark key verses or notes.
Optional:
A reading plan (from a Bible app or church)
A devotional book or app for beginners
Headphones with worship music (before or after reading, not necessarily during if it distracts you)
If you use your phone for the Bible, consider:
Turning on “Do Not Disturb” mode
Putting other apps in a “focus” or “quiet” folder
Using a dedicated Bible app to reduce temptation to scroll
Step 3: Start with a Simple Format (15–20 Minutes)
Here’s a basic outline you can use:
Pause and invite God (1–2 minutes)
Take a deep breath.
Pray something like:
“Lord, I’m here. Help me to focus on You. Open my eyes to understand Your Word. Speak to me today.”
Read the Bible (8–10 minutes)
Start with a book like John, Mark, Philippians, or Psalms.
Read a short passage (10–20 verses, or one chapter).
Ask three simple questions:
What does this say about God?
What does this say about people/me?
Is there a promise, command, or example to follow?
Reflect and write (3–5 minutes)
Write down 1–3 key thoughts, questions, or verses that stood out.
You don’t need to be “deep.” Just be honest.
Pray (5 minutes)
Talk to God about what you read.
Thank Him for who He is and what He’s done.
Confess anything that comes to mind.
Ask Him for help for yourself and others.
You can remember this simple pattern as: Pause – Read – Reflect – Pray.
Step 4: Start with the Gospel of John (Suggested Plan)
If you’re brand new, here’s a 3-week beginner reading plan:
Week 1: John 1–7 (1 chapter per day)
Week 2: John 8–14
Week 3: John 15–21
Each day:
Read 1 chapter of John.
Underline or mark 1 verse that stands out.
Write 2–3 sentences about what you learned.
Pray based on that chapter.
John gives you a clear, powerful picture of who Jesus is perfect for building a foundation for your faith.
Step 5: Use Simple Prayer Prompts
If praying feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say, here’s a simple framework: P.R.A.Y.
P – Praise
Thank God for who He is (loving, patient, powerful).R – Repent
Confess any sin or areas where you’ve turned away from Him.A – Ask
Bring your needs and the needs of others to God (family, friends, church, world).Y – Yield
Surrender your day and plans to Him.“Lord, let Your will be done in my life today. Help me follow You.”
You don’t need fancy words. Talk to God like a trusted Father who cares.
6. Practical Tips for Staying Consistent
Starting is one thing. Staying consistent is another. Here are practical ideas to help your quiet time become a natural part of your life.
6.1. Make It Small Enough to Win
If your goal is too big (e.g., “I’ll read the entire Bible in 3 months, pray 1 hour a day, and fast twice a week”), you’re likely to burn out.
Instead:
Start with 10–20 minutes a day.
Keep your goals simple and clear, like:
“I’ll read 1 chapter of John each day for 21 days.”
“I’ll spend 15 minutes with God before I open social media.”
When you win small, you want to keep going.
6.2. Tie It to an Existing Habit
Habit experts talk about “habit stacking” adding a new habit right after an existing one.
For example:
After I brush my teeth, I will spend time with God.
After I eat breakfast, I will read my Bible.
After I get home from work/school, I will take 15 minutes with God.
This helps your brain associate quiet time with something you already do daily.
6.3. Prepare the Night Before
Set yourself up for success:
Put your Bible and notebook where you’ll see them.
Decide what passage you’ll read next.
Plug in your phone away from your bed if it’s a distraction.
Small preparations reduce friction when you wake up or get home tired.
6.4. Use Alarms and Reminders
Set:
A reminder: “Time with God” at your chosen time.
A second alarm 5–10 minutes before as a “get ready” nudge.
These small cues can be the difference between “I forgot” and “I showed up.”
6.5. Involve a Friend or Community
We usually do better at new habits when we’re not alone.
You might:
Ask a friend: “Want to read John together? We’ll text each other one thing we learned each day.”
Join a small group or Bible study at your church.
Share once a week with a mentor what God is teaching you.
Community helps you stay encouraged and accountable.
6.6. Expect Distractions and Plan for Them
Distractions will come:
Notifications
Random thoughts
Family members needing you
Your own wandering mind
Some tips:
Put your phone on airplane mode or Do Not Disturb.
Keep a scrap piece of paper: when a random to-do pops in your head, write it down and go back to focusing.
Let people you live with know: “From 7:15–7:30, I’ll be having quiet time.”
You won’t eliminate all distractions, but you can reduce them.
7. What If Quiet Time Feels Dry, Boring, or Hard?
Even mature Christians go through seasons where quiet time feels off. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong or that God is far away.
7.1. When You Feel Nothing
You might think: “I’m reading and praying, but I don’t feel God.”
Remember:
Feelings are real, but not always reliable.
God’s presence isn’t dependent on your emotion.
You’re building depth and roots, even when it feels ordinary.
Think of going to the gym: not every workout feels amazing, but each one contributes to your long-term strength.
7.2. When You’re Confused by the Bible
If you’re stuck on a passage:
Write down your questions in your journal.
Look up a simple study Bible note or beginner commentary later.
Ask a pastor, mentor, or mature friend.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
You can also choose beginner-friendly resources:
Start with narrative books (like the Gospels) before complex prophetic books.
Use a reading plan for new believers from a Bible app.
Try a short devotional that explains a passage and then points you to read it.
7.3. When You’re Struggling with Sin or Shame
Sometimes we avoid God because we feel unworthy or guilty.
The solution is not to run from God it’s to run to Him.
Read passages that highlight God’s forgiveness and grace (e.g., Psalm 51, Romans 8, 1 John 1:9).
Be brutally honest in prayer. Say what you’re actually thinking and feeling.
Remember: Jesus died knowing all your sins past, present, and future. He’s not surprised.
Quiet time is a place to bring your sin into God’s light, not hide it.
7.4. When You’re Just Tired
Sometimes, you’re simply exhausted.
Options:
Shorten your quiet time but still show up. Even 5–10 minutes counts.
Switch to a Psalm and just read and pray one or two verses slowly.
Listen to an audio Bible while walking or getting ready in the morning.
God understands your limits. He invites you to come as you are, not as you wish you were.
8. Example Quiet Time Formats You Can Try
Here are a few sample quiet time “templates” you can experiment with. Pick one that fits your current season and personality.
8.1. The 15-Minute Beginner Quiet Time
Best for: New Christians, busy schedules, starting small.
1–2 minutes – Quiet your heart
Sit, breathe, and pray: “Lord, I’m here. Help me focus on You.”
8–10 minutes – Read the Bible
Read 1 chapter in John, Mark, or Philippians.
Underline 1 verse that stands out.
3–5 minutes – Reflect & pray
Write one sentence: “Today I learned…”
Pray about that truth and your day.
8.2. The 20–30 Minute “Deep Dive” Quiet Time
Best for: When you have more room in your schedule.
3–5 minutes – Worship & invite God
Listen to one worship song.
Thank God for 3 specific things.
10–15 minutes – Read & reflect
Follow a reading plan (e.g., a Gospel, then a New Testament letter).
Ask: What does this teach about God? About me? Is there anything to obey?
5–10 minutes – Journal & pray
Write 3 bullet points or questions.
Pray using P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield).
8.3. The “On-the-Go” Quiet Time
Best for: Very busy days, commuting, or when traveling.
Audio Bible: Listen to a chapter while commuting, walking, or doing chores.
Verse of the day:
Read it.
Think: What does it say about God?
Turn it into a short prayer.
Micro-prayers throughout the day:
“Lord, guide this conversation.”
“Jesus, give me Your peace right now.”
“God, show me how to love this person.”
This is not second-class spirituality. God can meet you in ordinary moments.
9. Integrating Quiet Time into Your Whole Life
The goal of daily time with God isn’t just to have a “holy 20 minutes” and then forget about Him the rest of the day. It’s to grow a relationship that affects everything.
9.1. Let Scripture Shape Your Day
As you read, look for:
One truth to carry into your day.
One action God might be inviting you to take.
One person to encourage or pray for.
Examples:
You read about Jesus’ patience → Ask Him to help you be patient in class or at work.
You see a verse about caring for others → Text a friend and check in on them.
9.2. Turn Ordinary Moments into Mini Check-Ins with God
You can stay connected to God by:
Whispering short prayers before meetings, classes, or conversations.
Thanking God when something good happens (a compliment, a good grade, a kind friend).
Asking for help when you feel stressed, tempted, or overwhelmed.
Your quiet time is like “charging your battery,” but throughout the day, you stay plugged in through small moments with God.
10. Encouragement for the Journey
If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember this:
Daily time with God is not about being a “good Christian.” It’s about walking with a good God.
You will have:
Days you feel close to God.
Days you feel distracted or dry.
Days you totally forget or fall asleep halfway through.
God’s response is steady: He continues to invite you into His presence.
He’s the One who said:
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8)
Every time you open your Bible, whisper a prayer, or turn your attention toward Him—even for a few minutes you are responding to that invitation.
11. Next Steps: How to Begin Tomorrow
Here’s a simple action plan:
Today (right now):
Decide on a time and place for your quiet time tomorrow.
Choose your starting book: John is a great choice.
Set an alarm or reminder labeled: “Time with God.”
Tomorrow:
Spend 15–20 minutes using the Pause – Read – Reflect – Pray pattern:
Pause and invite God.
Read John chapter 1.
Reflect: write 2–3 sentences.
Pray about what you read and your day.
This week:
Aim for 4–5 days of quiet time, not perfection.
Tell a friend what you’re doing and ask them to check in.
This month:
Finish the Gospel of John.
Celebrate the progress you’ve made even if it’s imperfect.
Conclusion: Your Quiet Time Is a Journey, Not a Test
Starting daily time with God can feel intimidating, especially if you’re a new Christian. But you don’t need to have it all figured out. You simply need to start and keep coming back.
To recap:
Quiet time is about relationship, not ritual.
Daily time with God matters because it feeds your soul, shapes your mind, and deepens your faith.
Common myths (like “it has to be long” or “I must always feel something”) often hold us back.
A simple 15–20 minute routine Pause, Read, Reflect, Pray is a powerful starting point.
Consistency grows through small, realistic habits, community, and grace.
Even when quiet time feels dry or hard, God is still at work.
God is not waiting for the “future, better version” of you to start spending time with Him. He wants to walk with you right now, in this season, with your current schedule, questions, and flaws.
Engage: Share Your Quiet Time Journey
I’d love to hear from you:
What’s the biggest challenge you face with daily time with God?
Which of the quiet time formats in this guide are you going to try first?
Do you have a favorite verse or book of the Bible that’s helped you connect with God?
Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments. If this beginner’s guide helped you, consider sharing it with another new or young Christian who wants to grow in their relationship with God.
Your journey in building a sustainable rhythm with God is just beginning—and He will be faithful every step of the way.
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