“Mark Fugitt takes up the perennial question of why followers of Jesus should remain devoted to reading Scripture. His deep love for God’s Word is evident throughout the book, as is his conviction that spiritual formation happens within the worshiping life of the Church. As he puts it, ‘God designed Christians to grow in a garden rather than a flower pot.’

“Fugitt skillfully weaves together historical voices, showing how different eras of the Church approached Scripture with their own challenges and expectations. This brief historical journey helps readers see that our struggles with Bible reading are not new, and that Christians across centuries have sought to remain faithful to God’s Word in changing contexts.

“He also offers a hopeful vision for today’s Church. Though we do not walk with the incarnate Christ, we can dwell in the riches of the living Word through the Spirit’s presence. Fugitt reminds us that ‘drawing close to God is good for mind, body, and spirit’ (Matt. 22:37), and that Scripture is God’s gracious means of restoring communion with him. In this way, he invites readers to rediscover Bible reading not as a duty but as a pathway into life with God.”

—Dr. Jennifer Freeman, Professor of Christian Formation, College of the Ozarks

“I’m grateful to Mark Fugitt for this patient, generous, irenic, and practical book. It walks Protestants through a potted history of church tradition with both conviction and charity. It is unafraid to learn from any believers, past or present, who have longed to hear the Lord speak through his inspired Word—and who have asked how any of us might do so with faith, hope, and love. In a time of biblical illiteracy, the task of renewing catechesis and a love for Scripture in the pews is a wonderful project and one we should beg the Spirit to indwell, equip, and animate with the power of Christ. As I finished this book, I thought to myself: Quiet time is dead. Long live quiet time!”

—Brad East, PhD, Associate Professor of Theology, Abilene Christian University

“Christians have long been encouraged to spend time in God’s Word, but few stop to ask how this practice developed across the history of the church. In Quiet Time, Mark Fugitt offers a compelling and accessible exploration of the past, present, and enduring value of personal Bible study. By tracing how generations of believers engaged Scripture—even when access was limited—Fugitt reminds us of the incredible gift we hold in our hands today. This book will deepen your appreciation for Scripture and inspire you to approach your time in the Word with renewed commitment.”

—Naomi Vacaro, Founder of Wholehearted and author of Quiet: Creating Grace-Based Rhythms for Spending Time with Jesus

“The history of Bible study is a very deep topic with a lot of different opinions and directions. We must be careful to ‘rightly divide the word of truth.’ I appreciate Quiet Time’s challenge to ‘read, meditate, pray, and contemplate.’”

—Danny Jones, Bible Study Leader and Deacon

“Quiet Time is a wise and measured journey through the history of personal Bible reading and devotion. Mark Fugitt shows himself to be open-hearted toward believers in other cultures and eras, eager to learn from their practices, while never losing sight of the extraordinary privilege we enjoy today with Scripture so accessible and so many tools available to help us understand and internalize God’s Word. Historical research and spiritual reflection, held together beautifully.”

—Trevin Wax, Vice President of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board and visiting professor at Cedarville University, author of The Gospel Way Catechism and The Thrill of Orthodoxy