The Power of 15 Minutes: Billy Sunday’s Daily Spiritual Rhythm

Billy Sunday’s daily rhythm: 15 minutes listening to God, 15 minutes talking to God, and 15 minutes sharing God with others.

We often overcomplicate spiritual growth. We think we need long hours of study, elaborate prayer journals, or deep theological discussions to feel like we’re “really” walking with God. But the truth is, consistency often matters more than complexity. Evangelist Billy Sunday once modeled a simple daily rhythm that anyone can follow:

• 15 minutes listening to God

• 15 minutes talking to God

• 15 minutes talking with someone else about God

That’s 45 minutes a day. Manageable, practical, and transformative.

1. Listening to God (15 minutes)

This starts with God’s Word. Open your Bible, read slowly, and let the text shape your thinking. Listening isn’t about racing through chapters—it’s about giving God space to speak through His Word. Just fifteen minutes of intentional reading and meditation can reorient your mind for the whole day.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, try reading one Psalm each day or follow a Gospel one chapter at a time.

2. Talking to God (15 minutes)

Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Spend fifteen minutes talking honestly with God. Share your gratitude, confess your struggles, and bring your needs before Him. Prayer is conversation, not performance.

Think of it this way: if you can spend 15 minutes scrolling social media, you can spend 15 minutes pouring out your heart to the One who loves you most.

3. Talking With Someone Else About God (15 minutes)

This is where your faith overflows. Encourage someone. Share a verse. Tell a friend what you learned. Talking about God strengthens both you and the person you’re speaking to. This doesn’t have to be a formal Bible study—it can be a text message, a coffee chat, or even a quick word with a coworker.

When you make this a daily rhythm, you keep your faith from becoming a private, silent thing. It becomes contagious.

Start Small: The 15-Minute Version

Maybe 45 minutes feels like a lot right now. That’s okay. Start with just 15 minutes total:

• 5 minutes listening (read a few verses).

• 5 minutes talking (pray short, focused prayers).

• 5 minutes sharing (text or encourage someone).

Once you build the habit, it will grow naturally.

Why This Works

Billy Sunday’s rhythm works because it’s balanced. You’re not just taking in God’s Word. You’re also responding in prayer and living it out in community. It keeps your faith active, not just intellectual.

• Listening feeds your soul.

• Talking aligns your heart.

• Sharing strengthens the Church.

Three simple steps, repeated daily, can radically reshape your walk with Christ.

Final Thought: You don’t need to wait for a big spiritual breakthrough. Start today. Take fifteen minutes and split it into three little chunks. Do it again tomorrow. Before long, you’ll find that your faith isn’t something you “add on” to life—it becomes the rhythm of your life.