How to Have a Quiet Time in College
Having a quiet time means something different to each person, but for each one, it鈥檚 an important part in their walk with God. The 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 motto, 鈥淗igher Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� means that each student is pushed to strengthen their relationship with God during their time in college. Whether it鈥檚 five minutes or five hours, any alone time spent with God can help boost your spirits and help you grow closer to Him. If you鈥檝e never had a quiet time before, here鈥檚 a step-by-step guide on how you can start.
1. Find a space where you鈥檙e alone.
Matthew 6:6 says 鈥淏ut when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.鈥澛燗 quiet time with God isn鈥檛 about being seen, but it鈥檚 about having one-on-one time with God without distractions. By getting away from others, you no longer focus on what you look like or how you鈥檙e acting. You鈥檙e able to be vulnerable with God and express your feelings to Him without putting on a show or worrying what others might think.
2. Pray
Philippians 4:6 says 鈥淒o not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.鈥澛燩rayer is an essential part of a Christian鈥檚 life. It鈥檚 how we communicate with God and become more like Him. Beginning a quiet time with prayer can help you push all stresses and distractions away so you can focus solely on God and what He wants to tell you.
3. Study scripture.
Romans 15:4 says 鈥淔or everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.鈥澛燬tudying scripture allows us to grow closer to God through the words He has given to us. Knowing God and knowing His will is very important for Christians. By studying His word, we are able to discern His will for our lives and grow a closer relationship with Him.
4. Meditate
Psalms 119:15-16 says 鈥淚 meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.鈥澛燤editating on God鈥檚 word is different than what most people would see as meditation. When you mediate on God鈥檚 word, don鈥檛 clear your mind of all thoughts, but instead focus on the scripture you just read. Ask God to explain His words to you and make clear what He鈥檚 trying to tell you.
5. Pray Again
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says 鈥淩ejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God鈥檚 will for you in Christ Jesus.鈥澛燛nding your quiet time in prayer can help you discern God鈥檚 will in your life. Prayer helps us know exactly what God is calling us to do and align our actions with His will.
Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the 秋霞福利一区. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.
