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 24, 2026 at 5:34 am
Today my studies took me to Matt 26. My attention was drawn to how Jesus entered into the time of prayer into the Garden. Right now it’s just an observation and I’ll have to think about it as I go through the day but here’s what I saw:
– Jesus asked 9 of the disciples to sit and wait while he prayed.
– He disclosed His anguish to 3 and asked them to stay and keep watch.
– He disclosed His full fear to God
What example am I setting when I’m one of the 3 asked by a friend to stay and keep watch? Will I be asleep after a little while or fully awake while another is in anguish before God?
February 24, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Thanks for sharing, Bridget. Whatever fruit your deliberation bears, it is already important to note that your Bible study impacts your thought process throughout the day. I suspect that is an indicator of something more than casual reading.
February 25, 2026 at 6:25 am
Studying in community with a curriculum and weekly meetings is a sure way of this practice/challenge becoming a life style. I highly recommend it. God uses the community of believers to grow and encourage us on our journey of faith. The accountability factor is sometimes just what is needed to develop the habit until it becomes just that – a lifelong, lifestyle habit who is the source of life Himself. ❤️
February 25, 2026 at 7:18 pm
This is a great recommendation, Lee! Studying in community offers so many benefits. As you have indicated, encouragement is one of the key benefits. This reminded me of our Group Bible Study where we say how God uses encouragement to strengthen us. You have also powerfully explained why using a group for accountability is vital in habit formation. Thank you!