It can be hard to find time everyday for Bible Reading and prayer. I’ve talked before about how I can’t do it first thing in the morning, because I’m just not awake enough to pay attention. The problem is, when I wait, I oftentimes end up forgetting or becoming caught up in other things around the house and I end up not doing it at all. I’ve been thinking about this lately, and I’ve come up with 10 ways to help myself stay on track with daily devotion time. I hope some of these help you too!
- Read a Psalm first thing in the morning – Even though I’m not able to pay attention as much as I would like, when I read a small portion of Scripture in the morning, it starts my day thinking about God. I’ve noticed that when I take the time to do this (even when it means the kids have to wait 5 minutes), I end up remembering to spend more time in the Bible and prayer later in the day.
- Text/Accountability – Find a friend that has kids on a similar schedule, then you can text each other during naptime to remind one another to spend the time wisely.
- Use bath time – This one doesn’t work for me in this season, but in a couple more months (when princess is a bit older) it should start working again! I can’t wait!!!
- Outdoor time – For those with a yard, this could work great. Sit out on the porch and watch the kids playing in the backyard, while spending some time praying & reading the Word.
- Bible on the Counter – I’ve heard this tip from many more seasoned moms. They leave their Bibles open on the counter in their kitchen, and just read a few verses as they pass by it multiple times a day. It may not be ideal, but it’s definitely more Scripture than I get on a lot of days, so I think it’s an awesome idea!
- Pray while washing – I’m really bad about having music or other noise playing all the time. Sometimes, it’s good to turn the music off, and spend time praying while doing dishes or folding laundry. You could even make a system, like praying for each person in your family as your fold their clothes.
- Have a Lollipop – I know this sounds silly, but really! Sometimes I have trouble focusing on what I’m reading, or keeping my mind from wandering while praying. I’ve found that when I suck a lollipop it helps me focus. (I use this same trick when writing, when I need help concentrating as well!)
- Read at the time that is best for YOU. If you are awake in the mornings, do it then. If you are a night owl, do it at night. There is no right/wrong time for it. Just do it!
- Don’t fall into guilt and discouragement – It’s easy to be down on yourself if you are not where you want to be with Bible/Prayer time! But don’t let guilt eat you alive! Give it to God, and ask for His help moving forward. Pray that He would help you find the time that you have to Read & Pray and that He would help you use that time wisely.
These are all practical tips, but when it comes down to it, we just have to make it a priority and spend the extra effort to find the time frame that works best for each of us individually. All the tips in the world can’t change a mis-management of time, and that’s something I am definitely still working on myself!
Where do you find time to read and pray? Are you still working on it like I am? Or do you have some wise tips to share?
Sarah197 says
Hi Paula,
Thanks for the post – its something I really struggle with, too! I’ve found an app to use on my mobile with a daily bible reading, comment and prayer. I think it’s called Reflections. It’s great because I can do it while feeding the baby to sleep for his nap or while holding the bigger boy’s hand while he falls asleep or while they’re sitting on their potties watching cartoons. I would rather be reading from a proper book, but this works quite well for me as a second best and I thought maybe other mummies might fund it a helpful suggestion in addition to yours! X
Paula says
That is such a great idea!!! thanks!!!
Naomi Tinning says
Hi Paula, new reader here.
I’ve been struggling with this as well. I know for my own sake, I need to read the Bible more. Your tips are great. I’m a big fan of the ‘You Version’ Bible app. They have audio of some of the more popular versions. It’s really handy if you want to listen to the Bible while cooking, washing, etc. They have daily readings as well. Hope this helps. x
Paula says
That’s a wonderful idea! thanks for sharing!!!!
Helene says
I listen to my Bible too! It’s a great way to not only use my “busy” time wisely but also to get the word of God in my kids ears!
Vanessa says
Love tip number 6! Such a great idea. I like the bible app on my phone so if we’re at the park or waiting in line at the post office or wherever, I can take a quick moment to read and pray — also comes in super handy when flying with kids, because you don’t want toddlers ripping up your bible on your lap, but a phone on airplane mode with the bible downloaded allows you a great way to study.
I like to read while I cook. When I make bacon in the morning, I sit and stir and read the word. I’m both a night owl and a morning person (weird, I know – I don’t sleep)… so I do a bit of studying at both times. I’m doing the Hello Mornings challenge this fall, and I love it. I’ve also joined some awesome bloggers for a weekly scripture link up where we all study one verse for a week and then share our reflections. I just love it. Having these accountability partners has really helped me to make it (and keep it) a priority!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
Great post! I’ll have to incorporate some of your ideas into my daily life. My favorite places to pray are in the car while driving and while walking.
Jessica says
Great tips! Thank you for sharing! I’m going to need this as I start my first year of Bible Study Fellowship in September! :)
Gabrielle says
Love this. I find that first thing in the morning works for me, even though I’m not much of a morning person. If I don’t do it first thing, it probably won’t happen at all.
Corinna Ashley says
I love the tip about Outdoor time! My kid LOVES to run around outside. I really could be using this time to study! Thanks for the advice! :)
XO
Hannah J @ Dreaming of Perfect says
These are awesome tips! I love the lollipop one, sometimes my mind wanders while my husband and I take turns reading. It helps for me to have my own Bible in front of me, but I’ll have to try the lollipop trick.
By the way, I have a link party every Friday(called Free to Talk Friday), I hope you’ll stop by later in the week and link up at dreamingofperfect.weebly.com Thanks! =)
Kathryn says
I really really like this. I think I am going to print out this list and hang it somewhere I see every day as a reminder! I ned a texting buddy too!
Breanne says
I love this list! It’s motivating to be reminded of all of the extra time in the day that we can fit stuff like this in! Thank you!
Sarah says
Such good ideas! I really struggle with finding time for my quiet time….I have good intentions…setting my alarm for earlier than I normally have to get up, but more often than not I hit snooze. Loved the post!
Jessica says
Thank you so much for the ideas! I love the thought of sitting outside reading my Bible while the children play. Sounds fantastic! I also loved the ideas in the comments about the app! Installing it now! :)
Úrsula says
I’m pretty much in the same situation as you. Most of the days I cannot find time for praying and reading the Bible, but at the same time I want to put God in the middle of my day. It’s difficult but a question of perseverance I think!
Gail @ BibleLoveNotes.com says
These are great tips! I have always used bath time to read the Bible, but I’ve used my bath time because it’s a time when I’m 100% away from computer, kitchen, housework distractions. that’s not necessarily true when children are small, but otherwise it’s a great time.
Anyway, I love your list…good, practical ideas.
Sarah says
Great tips!! I struggle with this as well. :) My husband always says: We make time for the things we care about. So – I really want to show God that I care about Him and His Word. Making the time is something that is a necessity! Thanks for the encouragement!