Slot and Spot

Resources

Your Daily Time with God

A slot and spot is your daily time and place to meet with God. This page will walk you through what it is, why it matters, and how to make it your own.

What is a slot and spot?

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”  — Mark 1:35 

Your Slot: A Time

A planned time you set aside each day, one that’s on your calendar and protected.

Your Spot: A Place

A familiar place you return to—comfortable, personal, and free from distraction.

It isn’t a task you have to check off, or a requirement to earn God’s love. It’s not something he demands from you. It’s something he wants for you, time he wants to spend with you.

You can connect with God anytime and anywhere. What makes your slot and spot different is that it’s intentional. You show up consistently, and over time, that consistency shapes you.

Why is it so important?

Your slot and spot is where your relationship with God deepens. Here’s what that looks like over time:

  • Reading his word daily helps you understand who God is—and who you are in him.

  • Consistent prayer helps you recognize his voice and anchor your heart in his truth.

  • As you invite the Holy Spirit into this time, you’ll begin to see it show up in how you love, serve, and put God first in the rest of your life.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  — Galatians 5:22-23

What should I do during my Slot and Spot?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Practice your slot and spot in the way that helps you connect with God best.

That said, every slot and spot should include two things: time in God’s word and prayer.

Reading God’s Word

The Bible is the inspired word of God—how we hear from him. Reading it daily helps you understand his character, his promises, and his heart for you.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been reading for years, it will always have more to teach you.

Prayer

Relationships deepen with good conversation.

Prayer is your time to talk with God—to tell him what’s on your mind, listen for his voice, and align your heart with his. His love for you isn’t affected by how well you pray. Come as you are.

The Journey Message Guide

Every Sunday, you hear a life-giving message at The Journey. The Message Guide is designed to carry that message into your daily slot and spot. It includes all the scripture from the message, a guided prayer, the worship set, reflection questions, and more.

It’s updated every Sunday—check back each week for the latest guide.

Make it your own

Your slot and spot can be as unique as you are. Here are a few ideas:

  • Worship — Start with your favorite music as you settle in.

  • Get outside — Take a walk or sit somewhere in God’s creation.

  • Journal — Write about what God is revealing to you.

  • Create — Draw or make art inspired by what you’re reading.

  • Read Devotionals — YouVersion’s Bible App has devotionals on every book of the Bible and dozens of topics to help you grow.

  • Memorize Scripture — Through meditation, repetition, and prayer.

“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”  — Ephesians 3:12

Overcoming Obstacles

Life is busy and distracting. Here are a few common obstacles with a slot and spot and tips to help navigate them.

Start small. Five focused minutes with God is better than zero. As you stay consistent, you may be surprised how God helps you find more time.

Have grace for yourself. It’s never too late to start again. God will be there to meet you when you do.

You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Try these tips:

  • Before you begin, spend two minutes writing down whatever is on your mind. Getting it out of your head helps you set it aside and often turns those thoughts into prayers.
  • Follow a reading plan or prayer model to keep your thoughts focused and organized.
  • Be patient with yourself. God can do a lot with a wandering mind when you bring it to him.

Devotion leads and emotion follows. Show up anyway and use your slot and spot to tell God exactly how you’re feeling. He is always near, even when you don’t feel him.

There are lots of helpful resources available for learning about scripture. Here are some we recommend: 

Help Your Kids Build Their Own Slot and Spot.

As you grow in this habit, your kids are watching and learning how to know God, love God, and live like he says. Even if you’re just getting started, you can lead them.

Find resources to help your child take their next steps in faith, including how to start their own slot and spot