How to Spend Time with God

I used to believe that spending time with God had to be perfect. A spotless house. A quiet moment. My Bible, a journal, maybe a cup of coffee… all neatly arranged. I thought I had to show up with a clear mind and an organized heart, ready to check all the boxes of a “good Christian quiet time.”

But more often than not, life wasn’t like that.

The dishes were piled up. The house was loud and chaotic. I didn’t feel holy or composed—especially on days when I hadn’t been the mom or woman I wanted to be. On those days, I hesitated. I didn’t really want to invite God into my mess.

But it was in that exact space—my mess—that He met me.

That’s where the breakthrough came. I realized He didn’t need my performance. He wanted my heart.

So, I started giving Him what I had. Just 15 minutes a day. And those 15 minutes—some short, some stretched longer—began to transform my heart in ways hours of striving never could.

Why Spending Time with God Doesn't Need to be Perfect

Spending time with God was never meant to be about perfection—it was always meant to be about presence. Yet in our humanness, we often turn something relational into something rigid. We feel pressure to approach God with tidy schedules, polished prayers, and a quiet house that reflects inner peace. We think we need to bring Him our best, when in reality, He invites us to bring Him our real. Theologically, this is the heart of grace: that we don’t come to God because we’ve earned it or because our environment is ideal—we come because Jesus made the way.

Scripture consistently shows us a God who initiates relationship, not one who waits for our performance. From the very beginning in Genesis, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden—not because they were perfect, but because they were His. And even after their fall, God came looking for them, asking, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). That question wasn’t about location—it was about intimacy. God was seeking their hearts, not their perfection.

The same is true today. God is not impressed by a checklist of spiritual accomplishments. Hosea 6:6 reminds us, “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” What He desires is relationship—a heart turned toward Him in love and truth. When Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), He wasn’t speaking to the strong or the spiritually accomplished. He was inviting the worn-out, the overwhelmed, the ones who feel like they don’t have anything left to give.

When we come to God in our weariness, we’re not met with shame—we’re met with grace. Hebrews 4:16 says we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This is the theological foundation for why our time with God doesn’t need to be perfect: because it’s built on His faithfulness, not ours.

So whether your Bible is bookmarked or buried under laundry, whether your prayer is a full journal entry or a whispered “help,” God is near. He sees the chaos, the exhaustion, the days when you lose patience or wonder if you’re enough. And He still says, Come. Not when you’re cleaned up—but right now. Because He isn’t drawn to perfection. He is drawn to surrender. And He promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

Biblical Truths That Support This Grace-Filled Approach

1. God Desires Relationship Over Ritual

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” — Hosea 6:6 (NIV)

God isn’t impressed by outward acts if they’re empty of real connection. What He wants most is your heart turned toward Him—just as you are.

2. God’s Presence Is for the Weary, Not Just the Strong

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Jesus didn’t say, “Come when you’ve got it all together.” He says, “Come as you are—especially when you’re burdened.”

3. God Meets Us in Our Weakness

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Your weakness isn’t a barrier to God—it’s a bridge. It’s where His grace meets you and His strength is revealed.

A Simple, Sustainable Rhythm: 15 Minutes with God

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple rhythm that has helped me connect deeply with God in the middle of real life:

1. 5 Minutes of Worship

Start with a song—one that stirs your heart. You can sing, sit in silence, or just listen. Let worship shift your perspective from your mess to His majesty.

Suggested Songs:

• “Worthy of it All” – David Brymer

• “Sound Mind” – Melissa Helser

• “Give me Jesus” – UPPERROOM

  
  

2. 5 Minutes in the Word

Don’t overthink it. Open your Bible or app and ask God to lead you. Read slowly. Let one verse or passage sink deep. If you don’t know where to start, try:

• Psalm 23

• Matthew 11:28–30

• John 15:4–5

  
  

Meditate on the words. Ask yourself: What is God revealing about Himself here? What truth do I need to carry with me today?

3. 5 Minutes of Prayer

Be honest. Be raw. Some days my prayers were full of gratitude; other days they sounded like, “God, I’m overwhelmed. Help.” He meets us in both.

Use this time to give Him your fears, your to-do list, your kids, your questions. Prayer is less about the perfect words and more about your real heart.

Scriptures to Anchor Your Time

These verses have grounded me when I didn’t know what to say or where to begin:

Romans 8:26 (NLT) "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness... For we don’t know what God wants us to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."

Psalm 46:1 (ESV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

A Grace-Filled Plan to Connect with God Daily

If you’re craving more of God but feel stuck in the busyness, here’s a simple game plan:

• Start small. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Begin with what you have.

  
  

• Let go of the guilt. If it doesn’t look “spiritual,” it’s okay. Time with God is not a performance—it’s a relationship.

  
  

• Be consistent, not perfect. Some days will feel rich. Others may feel rushed. But keep showing up. That’s where the growth happens.

  
  

• Write it down. A simple notebook or journal can help you remember what God is speaking over time.

  
  

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be polished to be present with God. You don’t need a perfect home or perfect heart. Just come. Even in the middle of the mess. Especially there.

Because the presence of God doesn’t wait for peace and quiet—It meets you in the kitchen, in the carpool line, in the overwhelm.

So go ahead. Give Him your 15 minutes. He’ll take it, multiply it, and meet you there.

If this blessed you, consider sharing it with a friend. Someone else might need the reminder that God sees them—even in the chaos. 

A Prayer for Meeting God in the Mess

Father,

Thank You that I don’t have to be perfect to come to You. Thank You that You meet me right where I am — in the noise, the busyness, the mess of everyday life.

Teach me to let go of the pressure to perform. Remind me that You are not looking for polished prayers or perfect schedules — You are simply looking for my heart.

When I feel overwhelmed, help me remember that Your presence is my peace.When I feel unworthy, remind me that Your grace is enough.When I feel like I have nothing to give, show me that You are more than enough for every moment.

Draw me closer, even when life feels chaotic. Let my small, imperfect offering of time and attention be enough — because You are the one who multiplies it. Teach me to delight in Your presence, even in the middle of the ordinary.

I give You my today, my heart, and my messy moments. Meet me here, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.