Let me ask you a question: How often do you get so busy that you don’t find time to eat? I suspect it isn’t very often (if ever), because you know you need to eat (and you also enjoy it).

The point is this: We usually make time for the things we really need to do. That’s why I urge you to find time to spend alone with God every day: It’s something you really need to do. You need it first of all because without it you’ll run the risk of starving your soul and becoming spiritually malnourished. You need it also because you need God’s guidance for your busy life. The Bible says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).

Look at your schedule, and ask God to help you find a time you can set aside to be with Him — a time when you’ll be uninterrupted and alert. It may only be a few minutes at first — but that’s better than nothing. The key is to make it a priority — and stick to it. The Bible 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” (Mark 1:35).

Then have a plan. Take a book of the Bible and read through it, little by little. Many also find it helpful to keep a list of those for whom they are praying.