Some time ago I mentioned my quiet time notebook in response to one of Linda Stoll’s thoughtful essays on Substack.
(DO visit her at https://lindastoll.substack.com!)
This notebook provides a place to keep Bible study notes, scripture memory work, prayer-starters, and more. Then when I sit down each morning to spend time with God, I have what I need in one place.
Linda replied to my comment, “One of these days you’ll have to tell us more about that notebook!”
Well, today is the day! Here’s a brief explanation of its contents.
First, I’ve chosen looseleaf over spiral, allowing me the freedom to move things around, even remove pages and file them to make room for newer material.
The set-up of various sections allows me to organize by category, making it easier to find what I need.
Below you’ll find more details for each section, plus suggestions for others.
THE COVER
Here’s a chance to be creative! It might be as simple as a scripture coloring page (Many free ones are available online.), a favorite Bible verse or quote written with colorful markers, or an inspiring photograph. Make your notebook a pleasure to pull off the shelf.
PROMPTS FOR PRAISE
Many of us follow the pattern-for-prayer based on the acronym, A.C.T.S. A = Adoration, C = Confession, T = Thanksgiving, and S = Supplication.
To add freshness to my praise, I decided to focus on just one of God’s attributes each day, to avoid a repetitious list-prayer.
For each trait I’ve collected scriptures and quotes that help me express adoration for who our God is. That collection is the first section in my notebook.
CURRENT BIBLE STUDY
If I’m not using a workbook—a study by the likes of Jen Wilkin or Priscilla Shirer—I keep my notes together in this section.
When I finish journaling or verse-mapping through a book of the Bible (for example), I file these pages so, if needed, I can find them again.
However! Purging has been necessary now and then. Had I kept every study throughout the decades of my life, I’d probably need two or three file cabinets!
Also in this section: ideas for scripture meditation, to add variety to the ways I study. These too are available online. (One example: https://biblicalspirituality.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Meditation-Methods-Summary-17.pdf).
MEMORY WORK
I keep a typed copy of each chapter I’ve memorized, the many shorter passages, and individual verses. Reviewing a page or two each day helps to keep the passages fresh in my mind.
PRAYERS
Some people keep a prayer list in this section. But years ago I transitioned to a prayer box of 3 x 5s. The cards provide more room to write, as some requests go through stages toward fulfillment. It’s encouraging to see God at work through the process, as well as in the final outcome.
So this section of my notebook isn’t for requests, it’s for model prayers that have especially touched my heart. I can turn to these when the words won’t come.
An index helps me find an appropriate one. For example, when I need discernment I turn to a prayer of Thomas Merton, for hope, John D. Rayner, and for peace, Teresa of Avila.
FROM THE INTERNET
Occasionally I come across articles and blog posts worth keeping close at hand: how to’s, poetry, inspiration, information, and more. (I need to create an index for this section too!)
WORD OF THE YEAR
Sometimes I participate in this practice of prayerfully choosing a word to focus on for a year. That focus can include searching out related scriptures, writing them out, journaling meditative thoughts, and then praying through them.
The goal is to allow such focus to form our character and enhance our relationship with God.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
There are those who include a reflection journal, gratitude journal, written out prayers, and/or other personalized pursuits. I prefer actual journals or separate notebooks for certain endeavors.
One example: my God Is Faithful journal, mentioned here now and then.
The first pages are starting to show their age!
Dozens of pages offer a record of God’s faithfulness to our family since 1983. At first this journal did reside in my quiet time notebook. But it soon grew and required a notebook of its own.
And now, gracious readers, I’d love to hear how you organize your quiet time materials. Please share in the comment section below!
All photos: Nancy Ruegg
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From the Inside Out 