Faithfully Yani

This morning, while having my quiet time, I found myself smiling as I wrote my prayers to God. My heart was filled with gratitude for all the changes He has been making in my life. It was such a joyful moment—simply knowing that I get to meet Him daily, write to Him, and talk with Him.

For a long time, quiet time and prayer felt like something “Christians are supposed to do.” We often hear advice or tips about how to pray and read the Bible. But if I’m being honest, actually making it a consistent part of my life was hard.

When I was still working full-time, my mornings were rushed. Sometimes, I had to wake up as early as 4:00 AM just to prepare for work and commute. With travel time often stretching to two hours, I convinced myself: “It’s okay if I don’t pray today. God understands. I’ll just do it later, maybe during my commute.”

And while it’s true that God understands, I eventually realized—the one missing out wasn’t Him, it was me.

When I skipped quiet time, I felt the difference. My day felt heavier. I was more easily distracted, more tempted, and more disconnected from God’s peace. I was doing the bare minimum—checking a box by reading a verse or whispering a quick prayer—but my soul was still thirsty.

Slowly, God convicted me. He reminded me that time with Him wasn’t about obligation, but relationship. And He began to shape my heart to long for more.

The Turning Point: How God Changed My Desire

Even when I gave Him my “bare minimum,” God never stopped pursuing me. Through difficult circumstances, heavy workdays, and even my own restlessness, He placed a burden on my heart—a deep longing to meet with Him.

He rearranged my schedule. He gave me challenges that drew me closer to Him. And eventually, He gave me a tool that truly transformed my quiet time: a journal.

At first, I didn’t take journaling seriously. I saw other Christians with devotional notebooks and thought, “That’s good for them, but I’ll just use my Bible app.”

But as the years passed, I realized that I was shortchanging my relationship with God. I was treating prayer like a task instead of a lifeline. That’s when I picked up a simple notebook—and it became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Why Journaling Helped Me Stay Committed

Journaling became more than just writing words on paper. It became a visible reminder of my commitment to God. Each page was a small testimony of choosing Him first.

Of course, it wasn’t always perfect. There were seasons when I stopped writing. Times when busyness pulled me away again. But God, in His kindness, always led me back. And this time, He brought me back stronger—with more wisdom, intentionality, and joy in meeting Him.

Now, journaling is part of my daily quiet time. Along with reading Scripture, it helps me stay focused, intentional, and honest with God.

Let me share how I structure my quiet time today, and maybe it can encourage you to build a rhythm that works for your own life.

My Quiet Time Rhythm

1. Schedule Your Quiet Time

For me, mornings work best. When everything is still and my mind is uncluttered, it’s easier to focus on God.

When I was working, I dedicated at least 30 minutes—usually between 6:30 and 7:00 AM. If you’re busy, waking up just 30 minutes earlier than usual can make a huge difference. Yes, it requires sacrifice, but the peace and wisdom you receive in return are priceless.

Now that I’m on sabbatical, I’m blessed to spend longer stretches with Him, but the principle is the same: be intentional and consistent.

2. Read God’s Word

I start my quiet time with Scripture. Right now, I’m going through the Old Testament in chronological order. Reading it in sequence helps me see the bigger story of how everything points to Jesus.

But if you’re just starting, I recommend beginning with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) so you see the life of Jesus clearly first.

Even in parts of Scripture that may feel “dry” or hard to understand, I’ve learned that God still speaks. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”

Sometimes it’s a fresh encouragement. Sometimes it’s conviction. Sometimes it’s just the steady comfort of His presence. But He always meets us through His Word.

3. Journaling the Word and My Reflections

I keep two journals:

• Scripture Journal – where I write down verses that stand out. Writing them helps me remember better, and over time, this journal becomes a treasury of God’s promises that I can go back to in hard seasons.
• Prayer Journal – where I write my prayers to God.

I love how writing slows me down. Instead of rushing through, I get to pour my thoughts, reflect deeply, and see how God has been working in my life over time.

4. Writing My Prayers

This has been the most helpful part of journaling. My mind tends to wander during prayer, but writing keeps me focused.

Here’s the simple pattern I follow:

1. “Lord, I thank You for…” – Gratitude for both big and small things, His love, His guidance, and daily blessings.
2. “Lord, I am sorry for…” – Confession of my shortcomings and wrongdoings.
3. “Lord, I pray for…” – Bringing before Him the people, situations, and desires in my heart.

I also make it a point to write down people’s prayer requests so I won’t forget. It’s beautiful to look back later and see how God has answered.

Philippians 4:6 says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

This simple structure has helped me pray more honestly and consistently.

5. Optional: Worship Music

Sometimes, I play instrumental worship in the background while journaling. It helps set a reflective atmosphere, but even without music, the most important thing is to meet with God sincerely.

Why This Matters

Making time for God daily is not about legalism or obligation—it’s about life.

Jesus said in John 15:5:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

When we put Him first, everything else flows better—our work, our decisions, our relationships. But when we neglect Him, we feel it. We run on empty.

Journaling and structured quiet time don’t make me a “better Christian.” They simply help me stay connected to the Source of life.

Gentle Encouragement for You

If you’re struggling with quiet time, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. Many of us wrestle with busyness, distractions, and dry seasons.

Start small. Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a difference. You don’t need a perfect plan—you just need to show up, and God will meet you.

Remember, the goal isn’t to check a box, but to build a relationship.

Reflection Questions

1. What usually distracts me or keeps me from spending quiet time with God?
2. When during the day am I most alert and least distracted? Could I give that time to Him?
3. Do I need to start journaling to help me stay focused, or is there another method that would fit me better?
4. What is one small change I can make this week to be more intentional in my quiet time?

Let’s Grow Together

Writing here at Faithfully Yani is one of the ways I practice faithfulness to God. Every comment, like, and share reminds me that these words are reaching someone who needs encouragement too—and it fuels me to keep writing for Him. 💛

If this blog encouraged you today:

•  Leave a comment below and share how you do your quiet time—I’d love to hear your journey!
• Subscribe to my newsletter so we can stay connected. I share reflections, Bible-based encouragement, and resources to help you walk with God intentionally.
• Share this post with a friend who may be struggling with prayer or quiet time. Sometimes one small encouragement can change someone’s day.

Your support doesn’t just help this blog grow—it reminds me that this writing is not in vain. Together, we’re building a community that seeks God first. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. 🌸

Faithfully,

Yani 💛

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