26 Ways to Jumpstart Your Quiet Time in 2026

Audio By Carbonatix

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and one of the most transformational habits I’ve developed is spending daily time with God through His Word. But let’s be real—quiet time isn’t always quiet, especially when you’re juggling kids, work, and life.

Whether you’re a mama with a baby on your hip, a student balancing homework and hope, or a woman walking through a challenging season, your time with Jesus matters. And while the method may change from year to year, season to season, the heart behind it doesn’t: drawing near to the One who loves us most.

So, to help you reset, refresh, and reconnect, here are 26 ways to jumpstart your quiet time in 2026!

1. Start with Confession and Praise

Open your heart to God. Clear out the noise. Begin by confessing anything on your heart, then praise Him for who He is.

2. Choose a Word for the Year

Let your quiet time revolve around a word that God places on your heart—peace, hope, surrender, joy—and track how He speaks through it.

3. Listen to the Bible

Use the YouVersion or Dwell app to listen while you fold laundry or drive. Let Scripture surround your day.

4. Create a Quiet Space

Set up a cozy corner with your Bible, a journal, and maybe your favorite mug. Make it somewhere you look forward to going.

5. Use a Guided Devotional

Try a devotional like Heart Happy to help focus your heart and mind on Scripture-based encouragement and reflection.

6. Write Out Scripture

Copying Scripture by hand slows your mind and helps truth settle in your heart.

7. Try the “First 15”

Spend the first 15 minutes of your day with God—5 minutes in worship, 5 in the Word, 5 in prayer.

8. Use the SOAP Method

Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer—this method helps you engage meaningfully with any passage.

9. Pray Through the Psalms

Let David’s raw and honest prayers lead you in your own moments of joy or lament.

10. Create a Prayer Journal

Write down your prayers, answers, and reflections. Watch how God moves in your life over time.

11. Do a Bible Word Study

Pick one word—like grace, mercy, or hope—and look up every verse that contains it. Check out the Daily Bible Podcast for a new word and related verses each day!

12. Join a Bible Reading Plan

Whether it’s a 7-day-a-week full Bible plan like this one or reading the Gospels in a month, having a plan keeps you grounded.

13. Use Bible Highlighters

Color-code themes like promises, commands, or praise. Make your Bible come alive visually.

14. Memorize Scripture

Start with one verse a week. Write it on a sticky note and put it where you’ll see it daily.

15. Write Letters to God

Write prayers or journal entries like you’re talking to a friend—because you are.

16. Pray Over Your Calendar

Lay your day, week, and month before God. Ask for His guidance in every appointment and task.

17. Fast from Distraction

Set your phone aside. Turn off notifications. Give God your full attention.

18. Study with a Friend

Accountability can be a blessing. Find a Bible buddy and check in weekly about what God is teaching you.

19. Play Worship Music

Let music soften your heart and usher you into His presence.

20. Read Different Bible Versions

Switch translations occasionally—like NLT, ESV, or The Message—to gain fresh perspective. Maybe try this one out!

21. Celebrate Small Wins

Did you read one verse today? Praise God! It’s not about perfection but presence.

22. Use a Devotional App

Apps like First5, Bible App, and Lectio365 offer powerful daily content at your fingertips.

23. Light a Candle

This simple act can quiet your spirit and symbolize welcoming God’s presence.

24. Practice Breath Prayers

Inhale: “Jesus, You are my peace.” Exhale: “I trust in You.” Let it center you throughout the day.

25. Mark Milestones in Your Bible

Note dates of answered prayers or life events next to meaningful passages.

26. Remember the Goal: Relationship

You’re not earning spiritual brownie points. You’re spending time with your Savior and Shepherd.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 (ESV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

A Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for longing to spend time with me. Help me to seek You daily—not out of duty, but out of delight. Open my heart to hear Your voice through Your Word. Fill my quiet moments with Your presence and peace. Thank You for drawing near when I do. Amen.

Looking for a Guided Devotional?

If you want to fall in love with God all over again, grab a copy of Heart Happy. It’s filled with stories, scriptures, and reflections to help you anchor your heart in God’s joy—even when life is anything but joyful.

You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment to start quiet time. You just need to show up—Jesus will meet you there.

Walking in Him,
Tricia Goyer