This information is taken from True Identity: The Bible for Women (published 2005 by Zondervan, copyright 2005 by The Zondervan Corporation).

One-on-One Time with God
For many of us, having consistent time with God is a noble but elusive goal. We race through life, busy with our work, relationships, volunteering, while our spiritual life is often at the bottom of our to-do lists. We picture quiet time as an unavoidable duty, a mandatory time-out, a failed assignment, a ritual, even an impossible task. The magic formula—pray, read, journal, repeat—seems easy enough. But we settle for hit or miss, with an emphasis on miss.


Yet God invites you to connect with him every day. The heaven-sent invitation reads simply, “Come to me” (see Matthew 11:28). Even if you are spiritually starving and seriously underdressed, God nevertheless beckons you to an elegant reserved table for two. This is a place where you can settle into your chair late and bedraggled and still hear, “Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.”

If you’re ready to accept God’s invitation, remember the following:

• Today. That’s all you can focus on. You can have time with God today. Don't make empty promises about tomorrow's faithfulness. Today's faithfulness gives you a good chance for tomorrow’s success.
• Packing light. Bring your Bible, a pen, and a cup of coffee. Don’t feel obligated to lug around a dense commentary or a dozen extra resources.
• Ambience. Choose a quiet spot. If possible, meet God in the same special place each time—make it your spot. Find out what time of day is most conducive to your getting away.
• Writing. Write down your prayers and note God’s provisions with specific dates. Record what you’re learning in the Bible and look for common themes. Look back at what you’ve written so that you can thank him for his faithfulness.