Discipleship #14: Seven Ways to Spice Up Your Quiet Time

If I say the words “quiet time”, I wouldn't be surprised if you picture in your mind: sitting on the couch, reading a passage from the Bible, getting a bit confused about what it means, trying to pray, and getting distracted by notifications on your phone. Not very satisfactory.

The good news is that there are many different ways of spending time with God. If your current approach isn't working, maybe it's time to try something new.

Some thrive in deep theological study, others experience God through movement and action, and others can successfully sit silently with Jesus without their mind wandering to the todo list of the day. Personality, upbringing, neurotype, and life experience all shape how we engage best in our faith. 

Throughout history, the Church has developed many personal spirituality approaches, each with strengths and weaknesses.

As you read through these seven approaches, ask yourself: what resonates most with you? But also consider: what might challenge you to grow in a new way? Sometimes, we do well to step outside our comfort zone for deeper transformation in Christ.

1. Meeting God in Silence and Prayer

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

The contemplative approach to the spiritual life is characterised by stillness, reflection, and deep prayer. It prioritises slowing down and listening to God rather than always speaking. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for quiet and depth in your relationship with Jesus, this approach might be for you.

A key figure in this tradition is Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582), a Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic. Teresa wrote books about prayer and described it as an inward journey where the soul moves through different stages, drawing closer and closer to union with God. Her book, The Interior Castle, is a spiritual classic that encourages us to cultivate an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus through prayer: 

“I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavouring to know God, for, beholding His greatness we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”

People who naturally reflect deeply, enjoy journaling, or love spending time in nature often thrive in this way of devotion. Practices like lectio divina—a slow, meditative reading of Scripture—or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence can be profoundly meaningful.

Rowan Williams emphasises that the contemplative approach to spirituality is not about escaping the world but about deepening our awareness of God’s presence. In Silence and Honey Cakes (what a fun title for a book!), he reflects on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, arguing that silence and stillness create a space to encounter God more fully. In a 2012 sermon, he said, "To learn contemplative prayer is to learn what we need so as to live truthfully and honestly, and lovingly." He believes that stillness allows us to listen rather than impose, fostering a humility that reshapes our perception of ourselves and others.

In Being Disciples, Williams writes, 

"Disciples are expectant in the sense that they take it for granted that there is always something about to break through from the Master, the Teacher, something about to burst through the ordinary and uncover a new light on the landscape. The Master is going to speak or show something; reality is going to open up when you are in the Master’s company and so your awareness (as has often been said by people writing about contemplative prayer) is a little bit like that of a birdwatcher. The experienced birdwatcher, sitting still, poised, alert, not tense or fussy, knows that this is the kind of place where something extraordinary suddenly bursts into view.”

Therefore, the contemplative approach leads to a deepened capacity for love and a more authentic engagement with the world, as prayer rooted in silence trains us to be present to God and others with greater attentiveness and compassion.

True, it could be unhelpful to us if we become overly introspective, spending so much time analysing our spiritual state that we become paralysed rather than actually living out our faith. And long periods of solitude can be isolating rather than spiritually enriching. However, if you normally rush through your devotional time or struggle to focus in prayer, why not challenge yourself to try the contemplative approach? Set aside ten minutes a day to sit in silence with God, resisting the urge to fill every moment with words or distractions.

2. Encountering God Through Liturgy

"Let all things be done decently and in order." — 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)

For many Christians, structured rhythms of prayer and worship enrich their spiritual lives. This liturgical approach values the beauty and depth of historic Christian practices, recognising that we share faith with believers across centuries and cultures.

Anglicanism has a rich tradition of structured prayers. A Prayer Book for Australia includes heaps of prayers for many occasions. I find that they are usually richer than what I might have otherwise improvised. It’s very normal to sit down to pray and not know where to start, but the prayer book helps by providing beautifully crafted prayers that express what you didn’t realise was on your heart. It also keeps us grounded in Scripture, with daily readings and ‘collects’ (a collect is a short, structured prayer that “collects” the themes of a particular day or season in the church calendar). The prayer book connects us to generations of Christians before us. Whether it’s morning and evening prayers, confession, or thanksgiving, it can guide us in a way that’s both personal and deeply grounded in tradition.

Don’t get me wrong—sometimes, reading from a formal prayer book can feel more like Hogwarts than the Book of Acts. It can become a holy autopilot, where you’re saying the right words but not actually engaging your heart. Liturgy should never be mechanical—it is meant to draw us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. When used intentionally and meaningfully, it can be very powerful and life-giving, and it can sustain us for decades.

3. Worshiping with your Mind

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." — Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

For some, studying and theological reflection are the deepest ways to connect with God. These people find their faith strengthened not through emotion or ritual but by wrestling with big questions and understanding God’s Word on a deeper level.

Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was an early pioneer of this approach and one of history's most influential Christian theologians. Before converting to Christianity, he was a philosopher deeply engaged with questions about truth and meaning. When he encountered Jesus, his faith did not replace his intellectual curiosity—it deepened it. His writings, including Confessions and The City of God, are rich explorations of theology, grace, and the nature of God.

The intellectual approach is ideal for those who love reading, debating, and analysing Scripture. People who ask big questions—about science, morality, or history—often find that studying theology, apologetics, and philosophy strengthens their faith rather than weakens it.

At its best, this approach leads to deep, rich faith. At its worst, it can turn you into a spiritually malnourished know-it-all. There’s a real danger here of replacing a relationship with Jesus with a relationship with your bookshelf. Jesus didn’t say, "Well done, my good and knowledgeable servant." He said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Be careful.

On the other hand, God doesn’t want us to leave our brains at the door. He has given us a mind to enjoy him. Consider beginning with a book like Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis or Knowing God by J.I. Packer. Or you could stretch yourself with a book by Augustine. You may find that engaging your mind in worship deepens your love for Jesus.

4. Spirit-Led & Expressive Spirituality

"Be filled with the Spirit." – Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)

For some, God's presence is most deeply experienced through worship, prayer, and the tangible work of the Holy Spirit. This is the heart of the Charismatic approach—a Spirit-led and expressive faith that embraces God's power and presence in daily life.

Christianity is not just about knowing the right doctrines; it’s about a living relationship with God. The Charismatic approach emphasises this relational aspect by seeking encounters with the Holy Spirit. Those drawn to this pathway often feel closest to God in moments of passionate worship, deep prayer, and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.

This pathway resonates with people who are naturally expressive and emotionally engaged. If you love raising your hands in worship, are drawn to extended prayer gatherings, or feel a deep connection to God through music, this might be your primary spiritual approach.

Those who connect with God in this way often engage in practices that allow space for the Holy Spirit to move:

• Worship Nights – Extended times of corporate singing and praising God, often marked by spontaneous songs and heartfelt expressions of love for Jesus.

• Prophetic Prayer – Seeking God’s guidance and encouragement through prayer, often involving listening for His voice and speaking words of truth over others.

• Speaking in Tongues – A spiritual gift described in the New Testament that some believers experience as a form of deep, personal communication with God.

• Healing Ministries – Praying for physical and emotional healing, trusting in God’s power to restore and renew.

These practices keep faith vibrant, reminding us that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but an ongoing relationship with a living God.

The Charismatic approach has deep roots in Scripture. The early church was filled with the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), an event that empowered them to spread the gospel with boldness. Jesus Himself promised the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Advocate (John 14:16). Far from being an emotional add-on to the Christian faith, the presence of the Spirit is essential for living a Christ-centred life.

Now, not every weird tingling sensation is the Holy Spirit, and not every spontaneous prophecy is from God (no, Bob, Jesus didn’t "tell you" that the woman at church you have a crush on will be your future wife). Get excited about the spiritual dynamism of the Book of Acts, but don't ignore 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul reminds us that worship should be orderly. The Holy Spirit is not allergic to structure or solid teaching. 

The challenge is to remain grounded in Scripture, ensuring our experiences align with God’s Word. If you find it difficult to be expressive in worship, why not step out of your comfort zone in your quiet time? Try listening to worship music, being a bit weird, and raising your hands. See what happens! These small acts can help you grow in experiencing God in new and meaningful ways. The best thing about the charismatic approach to spirituality is that it reminds us that faith is more than just knowledge—it’s a dynamic, Spirit-filled journey. As we seek God’s presence, may we be continually filled with the Spirit, growing deeper in our love for Him.

5. Faith in Action

"Let justice roll on like a river." – Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Faith isn’t just about knowledge, beliefs, or even feelings—it’s also about action. For some, devotion to God means rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in the world’s brokenness. The Activist Approach to faith is about making a tangible difference: fighting injustice, serving the poor, and sharing Jesus in practical ways.

Throughout history, Christians have put their faith into action by standing up for justice. One of the most well-known examples is William Wilberforce, the British politician and devout Christian who dedicated his life to ending the transatlantic slave trade. His faith was not just a private belief—it compelled him to fight for the oppressed, even when it took decades of persistence.

Activists today follow in Wilberforce’s footsteps by engaging in causes such as poverty relief, human trafficking prevention, refugee support, and evangelism. They see injustice and cannot remain silent. Their passion is motivated by Jesus’ words in Luke 4:18, where He declares that He has come “to proclaim good news to the poor.”

The Activist Approach is best suited to those with a strong sense of justice, a heart for the marginalised, and a desire to see the world transformed. If you feel deeply burdened by issues like homelessness, inequality, or persecution, this may be how God has wired you to serve Him.

Common practices for activists include:

• Volunteering at shelters or food banks

• Going on mission trips

• Advocating for social justice issues

• Sharing the gospel in practical ways

James 2:26 tells us, “Faith without works is dead.” The activist life breathes action into faith, showing the world what Jesus is like through acts of love and service. People may not always be ready to listen to a sermon, but they will notice kindness, generosity, and justice at work.

If you try this path, be careful not to turn Jesus into a first-century political revolutionary—He’s not a sandal-wearing Che Guevara who was tragically killed before He could dismantle the empire. Some activists are so busy "doing the work" that they forget salvation isn’t a community project—it’s a gift from God. If your entire theology is indistinguishable from secular progressivism, then you might be less of a disciple and more of a sanctified social worker.

Jesus didn’t come to establish a non-profit—He came to change hearts, which is the real revolution. Another danger of this approach is burnout—pouring out without being spiritually filled. Activists must stay rooted in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and Scripture.

6. Fellowship & Shared Life

”They devoted themselves to... fellowship." – Acts 2:42 (NIV)

Many people thrive spiritually in community. For them, faith is not just a personal journey; it is also a shared experience. There's nothing in the Bible that says every Christian has to have quiet time alone—this is a modern construction.

In fact, this is how the Church functioned in the first Century when the believers devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread together, and supporting one another in faith.

Throughout history, Christian groups like the Anabaptists and Moravians have embodied this communal model. They lived in tight-knit communities where they shared possessions, meals, and worship. Their lives reflected the belief that faith flourishes best when lived out together.

For those who find God most profoundly through relationships, fellowship is not just an optional extra—it is a vital part of their discipleship. Extroverts and relationally driven individuals often find this approach particularly enriching as they grow through deep friendships, accountability, and the daily practice of living life with other believers.

If this approach resonates with you, here are some key ways to embrace it:

• Small Groups: Regularly meeting with a group of believers for Bible study and prayer.

• Shared Meals: Inviting others into your home or sharing a meal together to build relationships.

• Prayer Partnerships: Committing to pray for and with a friend, fostering mutual encouragement and accountability.

  
  

These practices strengthen our faith, helping us stay encouraged in our walk with Christ. When we walk together in faith, we remind one another of God’s truth and love, spurring each other on in obedience and trust.

Scripture teaches that we are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), each playing a vital role in God’s kingdom. Christianity is not a solo sport—it is meant to be lived in community. When we engage in fellowship, we reflect the unity and love that Jesus prayed for in John 17. Our relationships become a powerful witness to the world of God’s love and the transforming work of Christ.

This approach fosters deep accountability, genuine fellowship, and a tangible expression of the body of Christ. But it can become very exclusive. Some people get so wrapped up in spiritualised co-dependency that they forget God can actually speak to individuals, too. If your faith crumbles the moment you’re not surrounded by your community, that’s not healthy discipleship—it’s just peer pressure in Jesus’ name. Yes, Christianity is a family, but Jesus didn’t say, "Come and follow my small group." He said, "Come and follow me." Sometimes, the holiest thing you can do is take a step of faith without waiting for a group vote.

This week, take a step toward deeper fellowship. Invite someone from church for a meal, coffee, or a walk. Invest in relationships that encourage and strengthen faith. After all, we grow best when we grow together!

7. Finding God in Simplicity and Self-Discipline

“I discipline my body...” – 1 Cor 9:27 (ESV)

In a world filled with noise, distractions, and an endless stream of digital content, the idea of self-discipline and simplicity may seem countercultural. Yet, throughout Christian history, many have found spiritual depth and closeness to God through an ascetic approach—embracing fasting, solitude, and simplicity to strip away the excess and focus entirely on Him.

The Desert Fathers and Mothers provide a striking example of this lifestyle. In the third and fourth centuries, they withdrew to the wilderness, believing that they could better seek God by removing worldly distractions. Their lives of prayer, fasting, and simplicity have inspired believers ever since.

The ascetic approach includes:

• Fasting – Voluntarily giving up food or other comforts to focus on prayer and dependence on God.

• Simplicity – Decluttering life to prioritise spiritual growth over material concerns.

• Silence and Solitude – Withdrawing from noise and busyness to be alone with God.

Each of these practices can help us detach from distractions and refocus on communion with Christ.

Jesus Himself modelled ascetic discipline when He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). Paul, too, spoke of disciplining his body so that he would not be disqualified from the race of faith (1 Cor 9:27). Jesus does warn us against legalism, but these practices, when done with the right heart, can truly deepen our faith by: strengthening our self-control and dependence on God; shifting our focus from worldly distractions to eternal priorities; and by cultivating a deeper sense of God’s presence.

Denying yourself should never be about earning spiritual brownie points. God's love for you is freely given. Jesus did say to deny yourself, but He also turned water into wine and feasted with sinners. If your devotional life consists of obsessively missing meals and sleeping on the floor, then remind yourself that heaven is like a wedding feast. The goal is not self-righteousness but surrender.

For most of us, it wouldn’t hurt us to fast from social media, alcohol, coffee, or even food for a day. Use the time you’d normally spend scrolling or eating to pray, meditate on Scripture, or simply enjoy God’s presence in silence. You might be surprised at how much clarity and peace you gain.

Why It’s Good to Mix Things Up

There is no single “best” or “most biblical” way to live out our spiritual lives. The richest, most vibrant faith is often a beautiful tapestry woven from different approaches. Some seasons call us into deep study, while others stir us to action. There are times when we crave silent stillness with God and other times when we are drawn into passionate worship.

Right now, journaling has really helped me. I treated myself to a high-quality Japanese notebook and a fountain pen. I start by writing down one or two verses from the Psalms, pouring out my thoughts, and finishing with an extended prayer. Something about the paper’s beauty and the smooth flow of ink slows my heart and draws me into meditation. But last year? Walking and praying were what worked best for me.

And that’s the beauty of it—there’s no perfect formula, no single right way. The key is to try, explore, and learn from those who have walked before us.

Maybe you’ve always connected with God in a certain way—through study, worship, activism, or reflection. But what if God is inviting you into something new? If you thrive in deep theological study, step into the mystery of contemplative prayer. If you feel most alive in energetic worship, consider embracing the beauty of structured liturgical prayers. If you’re a doer, always serving, pause to ask: is my work flowing from intimacy with Jesus, or am I running on empty?

At the heart of it all, the goal is not self-improvement or ticking off a religious checklist—it’s knowing Jesus more deeply and becoming more like Him. Don’t let your personality’s limitations hold you back. Lean into what nourishes your soul.