QUIET TIME

INTRODUCTION – Ice Breaker & Rhetorical Question

Have you ever woken up, grabbed your phone, checked notifications, scrolled social media—and suddenly an hour was gone?

Here is the question: When was the last time you woke up early just to be with God?
Not because you had a test. Not because someone told you. But because your heart longed for Him.

Today, we learn from Jesus Himself about quiet time and how it shapes a steadfast Christian character.

TEXTUAL BACKGROUND

Mark chapter 1 is filled with intense activity. Jesus teaches in the synagogue, casts out demons, heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and ministers to crowds late into the night.

Humanly speaking, Jesus was exhausted. Yet at His busiest moment, He chose solitude and prayer.

I. QUIET TIME IS A PRIORITY, NOT LEFTOVER TIME

Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

The Greek word for “solitary place” is erēmos—a deserted, quiet space. Jesus intentionally withdrew.

• Quiet time is not optional for spiritual growth
• It is the foundation of a healthy faith
• Without silence, faith becomes shallow

Parallel Scriptures:
Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice.”
Isaiah 50:4 – God awakens His servant morning by morning.

Urban Youth Application:
In a life full of school pressure, homework, and screens, faith without quiet time will not survive. Waking up 15 minutes earlier can change your entire day.

Transition: Quiet time not only shapes habits—it guards identity.

II. QUIET TIME PROTECTS IDENTITY UNDER PRESSURE

Mark 1:36–37 – “Everyone is looking for You.”

This is the pressure of popularity. Yet Jesus was not driven by people’s demands.

• Without quiet time, we live to please others
• We fear missing out
• We lose God’s calling

Parallel Scripture:
Galatians 1:10 – “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Illustration:
A teenager always online but disconnected from God slowly loses spiritual sensitivity.

Practical Step:
Try one morning without social media. Replace it with Scripture and prayer.

Transition: From a guarded identity flows a clear mission.

III. QUIET TIME DIRECTS LIFE’S MISSION

Mark 1:38–39 – “That is why I have come.”

Jesus knew His purpose. The Greek verb exēlthon emphasizes divine mission.

• Quiet time brings clarity of calling
• Quiet time gives courage to say “no”
• Quiet time directs faithful action

Parallel Scripture:
Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

GROUP / PERSONAL ACTIVITY

• 7-Day Quiet Time Challenge
• Daily journal: one verse, one prayer, one commitment
• Small group sharing and accountability

CLOSING – CALL TO RESPONSE

Strong faith is not built on the stage, but in solitude.

Poetic Closing:
When morning breaks and light appears,
Let prayer arise before your fears.
A steadfast faith begins each day,
Alone with God—before all else.

Let us build a steadfast faith—starting with quiet time.