The disciples were not losing time when they sat down beside their Master and held quiet converse with Him under the olives of Bethany or by the shores of Galilee. Those were their school hours: those were their feeding times.
The healthiest Christian, the one who is best fitted for godly living and godly labors, is he who feeds most on Christ. Here lies the benefit of Bible reading and of secret prayer. The very act of sitting down quietly at His table of love has its significance.