‘When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.’ Matthew 26:30
The ‘quiet time’ is a phrase given to a time which is spent praying quietly in the presence of God. It indicates a time away from other distractions. Speaking and listening to God is an essential part of this time but the word ‘quiet’ can be misleading.
Often the words of a psalms or favourite piece of scripture can be read or recited out loud. In this way we can lead more emphasis to the words. The quiet time might include singing or shouting praises. I imagine that with our African friends, their quiet time is anything but quiet.
Probably ‘quiet’ refers to the fact that we shut out matters of the world. Our whole thought and being is concentrated on God. The clamours and demands and distractions of worldly things are put to one side. We are urged to centre our scattered senses on the presence of God.
We probably all have set routines, something to encourage us to focus more on God. I have a special prayer chair which I use in the winter and in the summer I sit in the garden with the sound of birdsong around me and the wind in the trees. Whatever, the important thing is to focus on God.