How to Start a Daily Time with God

A fellow pastor once asked me how I teach on the subject of personal devotion. I paused, expecting him to begin by sharing his own method, but instead he hesitated and admitted something honest: “I’m not sure how to teach a new believer to start.”

That moment stuck with me, and to finish the story, we worked through the items listed below.

We all have to begin somewhere. And for many Christians, especially new believers, students, or busy adults, the idea of a “daily time,” “devotional,” or “quiet time” can feel unclear or overwhelming.

In recent years, I’ve almost stepped away from using the word “devotion” altogether. Not because it is unimportant, but because I don’t want it to sound like another task on a spiritual checklist. What we’re really talking about is the daily spiritual feeding of your soul. It usually involves time spent in God’s Word, in prayer, and sometimes in reflection or journaling.

A daily time is not an impossible task. In fact, when practiced consistently, it becomes one of the most stabilizing rhythms in a Christian’s life.

With a little preparation and a simple plan, what feels intimidating at first can become deeply life-giving.

1. Find a Place for your daily time

If you want a daily rhythm to take root, place matters.

Your “place” could be your kitchen table, a chair in your bedroom, a quiet corner at school or work, or even your car before you walk inside. The goal is simple: choose a location that becomes associated with your time in God’s Word and prayer.

Yes, you may read your Bible in many places throughout the day. But having one consistent “go-to” space helps train your mind and heart. When you sit there, you know why you’re there. That said, life is not always predictable. If your schedule requires flexibility, it’s okay to have two or three reliable spots that help you spiritually reset. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Once you’ve chosen your place, the next step involves preparation.

2. Pick Devotional Material

Once you have a place, you need a plan.

Many of us assume we can simply open the Bible and figure it out as we go. While that sounds spiritual, it often leads to distraction or inconsistency…especially when you’re just starting out.

Let me be clear: yes, you can absolutely “just read the Bible.” That is never wrong. But for many people, having a simple guide provides focus and direction.

Look for material that:

• Gives you a clear reading assignment from Scripture
• Asks thoughtful, observation-based questions (“What does this passage say?” rather than only “How does this make you feel?”)
• Encourages journaling or written reflection

A good devotional plan removes the pressure of deciding what to read each day, allowing you to focus on listening and responding.

Structure does not replace the Holy Spirit. Structure simply creates space for Him to work without distraction.

Here are a few of my recommendations: Word of Life | Daily Bread | Experiencing God

3. Gather Your Materials

Momentum matters.

Staying consistent becomes difficult when you spend the first ten minutes of your daily time with God searching for a Bible, a pen, or your journal. One reason I value having a consistent place (see point #1) is that my materials stay there. When I sit down, everything is ready.

Keep it simple, but be prepared. Here are the basic tools I keep within reach:

• Bible
• Devotional guide or reading plan
• Pen
• Highlighter
• Prayer journal
• A cup of coffee (optional for some, necessary for others)

The goal isn’t to create a perfect setup. It’s to remove unnecessary friction so your focus can stay on Scripture and prayer.

4. Pick a Consistent Time

You have a place. You have a plan. You have your materials. Now you need time.

If you’re starting out, aim for 10–15 minutes (you may be a little longer on some days, and shorter on others, but this is a good average to start). That may not sound like much, but consistency matters more than length.

There will always be strong opinions about the “best” time of day. Some will say, “Wake up with Jesus.” Others prefer to end the day in reflection. The real question is not when — it’s when can you be consistent?

Personally, I am a morning person, but even my devotional time is not the very first thing I do. Around 7:00 a.m. works best for me because it fits the rhythm of my home and work life. I can read, journal, and pray within an expected time.

As a reader, please choose a time you can realistically protect. A steady 10–15 minutes each day will do more for your spiritual growth than an occasional hour when you feel inspired.

5. Remove Distractions

I can’t speak for you, but I get distracted easily. And it may be getting worse as I get older.

If I’m not careful, my mind wanders. If my phone is nearby, I’ll check it. If my computer is open, I’ll glance at email. That’s just reality. So I’ve learned to remove distractions before I start.

My devotional time is usually with a pen and paper. The TV is off. My phone is on silent or in another room. When our kids were little, I tried to finish before they woke up because once the house was moving, my focus was gone.

I love technology. I use it constantly. But for this specific time, I’ve found it often competes for my attention rather than helping it.

Do what you need to do to give God your undivided attention. Those focused minutes matter and tend to stay with us longer.

Bonus: Accountability

This aspect isn’t required to begin, but it becomes powerful over time.

Having someone who knows you are trying to grow spiritually can make a significant difference, not in a policing way, but in a shared journey kind of way.

Sometimes, the simple knowledge that someone may ask, “How has your daily time with God been this week?” is enough motivation to stay consistent.

As a parent, if you can ask your kids about their daily time, then they should be able to ask you, too. We want to be able to answer honestly. Not because we’re trying to impress them, but because we are growing together.

Eventually, invite someone into the process. Growth accelerates when it’s shared.

Pastor Mark’s Conclusion

If you’ve never started a daily time with God, start today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just begin.

And if you’ve started before and stopped…that’s okay too. Many of us have been there. Sometimes we lose traction. Sometimes life shifts. Or, we often overcomplicate what was meant to be simple. That doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you can start again.

Maybe one of these steps will help you gain the momentum you’ve been missing. A consistent place. A simple plan. Ten focused minutes. Removing distractions or inviting someone to walk with you.

But remember this: the goal is not a flawless routine.

The goal is a growing relationship with God.

The routine serves the relationship, not the other way around.

My hope is not that you master a system, but that you grow in your walk with Jesus. I hope that you learn to recognize His voice in Scripture. That you bring your real prayers to Him. And, over time, these quiet moments shape the rest of your day.

Start where you are. Start simply. And trust that God honors the desire to draw near to Him.