Is personal prayer time important?

Jesus often sought solitude for prayer, which suggests a desire for an intimate, personal connection with God. For instance, in Matthew 14:23, Jesus goes up on a mountainside by himself to pray after feeding the five thousand. This act of solitude in prayer can be seen as a model for believers to seek quiet moments with God.
In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus teaches about prayer in a way that contrasts public display with private devotion. He advises, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This passage underscores the importance of prayer that is not performed for show but is genuine and heartfelt.
Quiet prayer can help in focusing the mind solely on God, reducing distractions. This aligns with teachings on meditation and contemplation, though not explicitly called out in the New Testament, the principle of being still before God can be inferred from various scriptures, like Psalm 46:10, : "Be still, and know that I am God."
Prayer isn't just about speaking; it's also about listening. In the quiet, one might be more attuned to what is often described as the "still, small voice" of God.
The New Testament, particularly in the letters of Paul, speaks of peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Quiet prayer can be seen as a pathway to experiencing this peace, where the absence of external noise allows for internal tranquility.
Engaging in quiet prayer can also reflect a posture of humility and dependence on God, which is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Recognizing one's need for God in solitude can foster a deeper spiritual life.
Quiet personal prayer is the center of your life as a Christian and is the tool the Holy Spirit uses to speak to our hearts and transform us to be more like him.