Several thoughts about the present state of the church, christianity and believers have  been running through my mind lately. I didn't arrive at a conclusion suddenly until I saw a  trend that is repeated and might be inimical to our faith walk. I am concerned about the coming generation who don't have enough people to model true christianity to them.

First, I observed that at present, the art of quiet time among believers is lost, even some preachers. I remember discussing this with a brother sometime ago and we shared the same sentiment after observing some ministers we lived together with at that time.

As a young believer, the emphasis on quiet time as a time of fellowship with God was common. My mum bought us a jotter to write the lessons learnt in our personal bible study during quiet time. The slogan of Christians those days was "No bible, no breakfast". Today, the narrative has changed.

The song that reinforced the need for a quiet time was: "Read your bible pray everyday( 4x), If you want to grow". To be sincere, the generation of believer who observed their quiet time were strong and sound. Their Christian walk showed they are men and women of the secret place. They knew that being alone with God is a precursor to encounter.

Today, some have misconstrued joining online prayer meetings with quiet time. A number of believers prefer to say or type "Amen" online but they have no personal prayer and bible study altar like the person praying with them online. If we continue this way, how will strong believers be built?

Jesus observed quiet time. Mark 1:35 says, "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". It was his culture to do this. Even the messiah was a man of the secret place. Little wonder he commanded result in the public space.

A generation used their waking hours to commune with God, alone with God, devoid of distractions.  They prayed, studied bible and took notes. They drew strength from the place of their personal altar. This became their daily culture. If you look at the generation who have this culture, they are still standing strong and unshaken despite their challenges.

We wonder why many believers are not devoted, strong and committed to the things of God. It is obvious they have a weak devotional life. We cannot ignore the basics and expect quality result. Times may change, technology may advance but spiritual principles and protocols remain unchanged.

Those who miss it in the secret place cannot stand for Christ in the public space.

Dearest, the lost of art of quiet time must be restored If you want to grow. This is the basic building block for a virile walk with God. Joining an early morning prayers is good but it must not replace your time alone with God.

I yearn to see a restoration of this lost art of quiet time among believers.