And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35, English Standard Version).
Introduction
The Psalmist David said, “my times are in your hand” (Psalm 31:15) – a reminder that all that concerns us is in God’s control. So, it is vital and logical that we spend quality time hearing from, talking to, and thinking about God. This challenge is not about iron-clad rules. However, there are some clear guidelines included with the Challenge to avoid confusion.
The “10 Tips to Consider” below are entirely discretionary but they are widely recognized as helpful. Remember our Group Bible study about pursuing godly example.
If you find the Challenge easy, share your success story with others. If you struggle with the Challenge don’t be discouraged, pick yourself up and try again. You have a supportive community with you.
The Challenge – God’s Time
- For five days, spend at least 20 minutes in Bible study, Prayer and Reflection without any distractions or disruptions.
- Please be sure to spend time in Bible study, not just cursory reading. Invest the time to understand what you are reading so that you can apply it.
- The Bible study can be a topical study (i.e., a theme from multiple Scripture passages) or a passage/book study. If you are already engaged in a Bible study you can use it for the Challenge.
- Your time in prayer must be more than a “asking for favors” session.
- Feel free to incorporate music, but it should not serve as a distraction.
10 Tips to Consider
- Block time out in your calendar.
- Plan how you are going to spend your time (e.g., a selected Bible study, a prayer list, and selected song).
- Don’t select a time of the day when you are typically tired.
- Find a space that is conducive to uninterrupted quiet time and use this space consistently if you can.
- Ensure that your electronic devices don’t serve as a distraction.
- Start by praying for guidance.
- Keep an electronic or hard copy journal of your activity so you can reflect on it in the future.
- Solicit tips from a Christian friend who you know is consistent with their quiet time.
- Share useful tips to encourage others.
- Be accountable to a person or group.
I pray that you will find this Challenge enriching. Feel free to share any thoughts as you go through the Challenge.
February 23, 2026 at 6:31 am
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.13.15.NLT
This passage resonates with me due to this year’s topic. Today as I continue to think about it, I pray I will be an example of Christ for someone today in an act of service.
February 23, 2026 at 11:33 am
Thank you very much for sharing, Bridget!
February 23, 2026 at 6:31 pm
I always look forward to this 40-day Lenten Bible study. It helps me to reflect on my life – the blessings, challenges and love of God.
The tips you gave us for the Challenge- God’s time were excellent!
In my case, it’s like a habit for me that when I wake up in the morning as soon as my eyes opened, I praise God in prayer for giving me new life, new day. Since we are retired now I do my devotional and time for talking to God and reflect on His word in the morning downstairs alone. My husband wakes up late so in the quiet morning is the best time for me to talk to God in prayer, reflect on His word and praise Him for everything. After my devotion time I usually play some Christian songs and my favorite is the song “Goodness of God” , I prefer Cece Winan’s version of it.
During Lenten season I feel the 40-day Bible study plus my weekly Wednesday Bible study and the Saturday (monthly) Bible study On Line with my church family help me to keep my focused on the Lord no matter what my circumstances are, and I am drawn closer to God through all these fellowship and worship time I allocate for myself, it’s a part of my life. Honestly, I have no problem reflecting on God’s word and talking to Him in prayer. My problem is I’m getting old and nowadays I struggle to memorize the verse completely but I do remember the message or the impact of the verse in me as I try to apply it to my life as it goes on.
Thank you for our 40days lenten bible study. May the Lord bless all of us in this group and that the Holy Spirit will continue to be with us in our study , that we may all be drawn closer to Him. Praise The Lord our Savior Jesus Christ!
February 23, 2026 at 7:44 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with quiet time with God, Aurora! It is great to hear that it is a habit for you. We can all learn from your discipline. I took note of your comment about memorizing verses. Hold on to that thought because it is going to resurface later in our journey this year 😊.