One of the questions I am asked most often is about how to have devotions. People are often told that they should have daily devotions, but they are not taught how to have them. The way I have chosen to have my devotions is a way, not necessarily the way.
In order to worship the Lord and to know His will, we need to have a daily time (a “devoted” time; hence, the term “devotions”) to be alone with Him, reading His Word. When this is an established choice, we are more likely to make it a part of our to-do list for that day. As I mentioned above, I have a plan that works well for me, and I would like to share that plan with you.
1. Begin your devotional time with a plan to memorize Scripture.
Psalm 119:11 (NIV) states: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Determine to learn one verse per week. Read the verse aloud five times. Repeat this before you go to bed. Continue this for the entire week. In the weeks that follow, keep going back over these verses as you add new ones. When you have completed a chapter, continue to say it at least once a week for several months. Then review it at least once a month, and you will have it hidden in your heart forever!
2. Pray for guidance.
Ask the Lord to show you something from His Word that will help you glorify Him and strengthen your Christian walk today.
3. Read your Bible.
Find a place where you can spread out the materials that will make your devotions a time of worship, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Do not substitute other books for the Word of God. Use supplemental materials (e.g., a good commentary or other study aids) to help you understand and get the most from your reading. Second Timothy 2:15 instructs us: “Study to thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Choose a plan for your Bible reading. You may wish to read your Bible through in a year. You may wish to do a more in-depth study of one book of the Bible or do a word study. Character studies are exciting and can be challenging.
4. Have a notebook in which you answer two questions at the end of your Bible reading time:
a. What did I read?
b. What did the Lord show me through what I read?
This is your time to meditate on what you read and to seek God’s wisdom for how to apply it to your life. Answer both of these questions with only one or two sentences. Making your answers too long will discourage you from using your notebook consistently.
5. Pray.
Have a prayer list. I recommend that you divide one page of your notebook into seven columns, one for each day of the week. Simply list those you plan to pray for on each of those days. If you have promised to pray for someone, write it down so that you won’t forget it. You may also wish to include a page where you can write down answers to prayer. First Thessalonians 5:16–18 tells us to: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Keep some little sticky notes in the front of your Bible. Then, when you learn of something you should pray for, write in on one of the blank sticky notes. Later, transfer that note to your prayer list and pray for that need faithfully.
Your daily devotions should be the highlight of your day! Never let them become a boring or meaningless ritual. Psalm 109:105 (NIV) states: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” If we are to glorify God, we must choose to use the light of His Word as the guide for every choice we make.
With love,
Grandma