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 25, 2026 at 4:20 pm
I am sharing my Lenten’s Devotional message for today 2/26/26.
The Cleansing Power of Christ
To have a guilty conscience is an experience. Psychologists may define it as a guilt complex and may seek to rationalize away the sense of guilt; but once this has been awakened through the application of the law of God, no explanation will quiet the insistent voice of conscience. Many a criminal has finally given himself over to the authorities because the accusations of a guilty conscience were worse than prison bars. The Bible teaches that Christ cleanses the conscience. To have a guilty conscience cleansed and to be free from its constant accusation is an experience, but it is not the cleansing of the conscience that saves you; it is faith in Christ that saves, and a cleansed conscience is the result of having come into the right relationship with God.
Daily Prayer
I stand in awe of the magnitude of Your forgiveness, Father.
“The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.”
Hebrews 9:13 NIV
February 25, 2026 at 4:26 pm
This is a continuation of my previous comment:
Why were Old Testament sacrifices only outwardly cleansing?
Hebrews 9:13 contrasts the repeated animal sacrifices with Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (see Hebrews 9:13–14).
The writer is contrasting:
• External ritual cleansing
(ceremonial purity, restored participation in community worship)
with
• Internal, spiritual cleansing
(a purified conscience before God)
Animal blood could symbolize atonement and temporarily restore ritual purity.
But it couldn’t actually remove guilt at the heart level.
Christ’s sacrifice is deeper because:
• It deals with the root of sin.
• It satisfies divine justice.
• It purifies the conscience, not just behavior.
Old sacrifices covered.
Christ’s sacrifice cleanses.
I feel this devotional is very timely as we focus on Jesus’ gift of salvation on this Lenten season.
February 25, 2026 at 7:06 pm
Thank you very much for sharing the devotional you are using, Aurora! I pray that you will continue to be blessed by your study.