Devotions

Why Should a Christian Have a Daily Devotional?

The purpose of a devotional is threefold:

• Intimacy with God: To spend time in God’s presence and grow closer to Him.
  “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8)
• Spiritual Growth: To grow in our knowledge of Scripture and God’s will for our lives.
  “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2)
• Worship and Renewal: To present oneself as a living sacrifice, staying spiritually renewed and discerning God’s will.
  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Guidance for a Daily Devotional

1. Set Aside a Specific Time and Place

Designate a consistent time each day for your devotion. This sets the tone for consistent spiritual discipline. Many people find the morning best because it helps align their hearts with God for the day ahead.

• Morning Inspiration:
  “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” (Psalm 143:8)
• Evening Reflection:
  (If mornings aren’t feasible, evenings may lend themselves to reflection):
  “when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” (Psalm 63:6)

Choose a place where you won’t be distracted. This could be a quiet corner of your house, a park, or a special chair.

 

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2. Begin with Prayer

Prayer is essential to devotional time because it invites God into the moment and prepares your heart to hear from Him.

• Start by asking God to open your heart and mind to His Word.
  “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)
• Prayer can involve praise, repent, ask, and yield (often abbreviated as PRAY). Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.
  “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

 

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3. Read the Bible

The core of your devotional practice should be Scripture. God’s Word is foundational for understanding His will and growing in faith. Develop a game plan for Bible reading:

 

A. Use a Daily Reading Plan

A structured reading plan can guide your time in the Word.

Examples include:

• Reading the Bible in one year.
• Exploring one book of the Bible in depth.
• Studying themes like faith, grace, or prayer.

B. Meditate on a Short Passage

If time is limited, focus on a single Psalm, proverb, or section of a Bible chapter.

Consider:

• Psalm 23 (God’s provision and care)
• Philippians 4:4-9 (peace and contentment)
• John 15 (abiding in Christ)

C. Memorize Scripture

Strengthen your walk by committing verses to memory, allowing the Word to guide your thoughts throughout the day.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

 

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4. Reflect on the Passage

Meditating on Scripture means thinking deeply about its meaning and application to your life.

Use these reflection questions:

• What does this passage teach about God’s character?
• How does this scripture apply to my life today?
• Is there a promise to claim, a command to obey, or a sin to confess?

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

 

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5. Journal Your Thoughts

Writing down your reflections can help you better understand what God is teaching you and track your spiritual growth.

Include:

• Key takeaways from Scripture.
• Prayers—both answered and ongoing.
• Personal challenges/successes in applying God’s Word.

David often journaled devotional thoughts and prayers in Psalms.
“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psalm 45:1)

 

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6. Spend Time in Worship

Devotional time is more than study—it includes adoration and worship.

This could involve:

• Singing hymns or praise songs.
• Listening to worship music.
• Thanking God for His blessings.

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” (Psalm 95:6)

 

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7. End with Prayer

Close your time with God by committing the day and your needs to His hands.

Pray for:

• Wisdom and strength to live out what you’ve learned.
• Others (intercessory prayer).
• Guidance for specific decisions or trials.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

 

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8. Stay Accountable

Tell a trusted Christian friend, family member, or small group about your commitment to a devotional practice. Discuss what you’re learning and encourage one another.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

 

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9. Be Consistent, but Flexible

Developing a consistent routine may take time, but grace is key. If you miss a day or feel distracted, don’t give up. God’s mercies are new every morning.
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Suggested Resources:

• Devotional Books: Look for daily devotionals such as My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers or Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
• Bible Apps: Use apps like the YouVersion Bible App or Bible Gateway for structured plans.
• Study Bibles: Consider a study Bible like the NIV Study Bible or ESV Study Bible for deeper insights.

Final Encouragement:

God treasures the time you spend with Him. Whether your devotional lasts 10 minutes or an hour, the important thing is consistency and sincerity. He promises blessings for those who seek Him and His Word:

“Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)