5 Ways to Get out of a Rut in Your Quiet Time

This week, I realized that “spiritual funk” was starting to set in.  My quiet time was turning into a ritual again.  I was reading to check off something on my list, but my heart and spirit were not connecting with the mystery and the glory of the page. 

God’s Word is not something to be glossed over.  I am not reading for information.  I am engaging in relationship.  My Abba Father has something important to say to me, and I don’t want to miss it because I am not fully present when I come to break bread at His table. 

I have the Word of God in my hands.  He speaks to me.  I need to wake up and come before Him with a hungry heart.  

Lord, give me ears to hear. 

Have you been there?  Do you find yourself in a rut during your quiet time?  Maybe you need to shake things up and do things differently.  Let go of your “usual” and ask God to do a new thing in your heart when you open up the Word of Life.  

5 Ways to Get out of a Rut in Your Quiet Time:

1.     Read less:  That’s right.  Throw away your 3 chapter a day reading plan and read less.  Tomorrow, I dare you to just look at 3 to 4 verses.  Read them slowly and pray through each word asking God to make that manna come alive in your heart.  Insert your name in the verses and personalize the Living Word. 

2.    Read it differently:  I know you love your falling apart NIV Bible, but you may need to say goodbye to it for a season.  I dare you to go buy yourself a brand new Bible in a different translation.  Read a fresh page with a pen in hand looking for the nuggets found when you look at something with new eyes. 

3.    Read it out loud:  Believe it or not, reading the Bible out loud might just help you notice things you’ve never noticed before.  Make sure that you pause briefly at each punctuation mark – don’t rush through.  Read slowly. 

4.    Write it out:  Grab an inexpensive notebook at the dollar store and your favorite pen.  Don’t worry about your terrible penmanship – just get to work.  When you are done, read your passage again and underline the key words that jump off the page.   

 5.    Focus in like a reporter:  Imagine you are writing a piece for the New York Times where you need to explain this passage to the masses.  Put on your investigative hat, and ask yourself one or two penetrating questions:
a.    What is the central message of this passage?  (Narrow it down to one word, and you have a theme for your day.)


b.    How does this passage help further define the character of God?  What evidences do you see of His goodness and glory? 


c.    How should my thinking change as a result of reading this passage?


d.    How should this impact my interactions with others moving forward? 

Ask God to help you develop a fresh spiritual appetite.  God’s Word is alive.  He will revive our hearts as we purpose to come before Him with a surrendered heart that is ready to receive.  Open your mouth wide, and He will fill it. 

Want to try out a new way to study the Bible? Head on over to our store to check out our Bible studies & journals! 

About Lyli

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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