How to Do Devotionals
What are Devotionals?
A devotional (or devotion), also referred to as quiet time (or QT), is a daily time that is dedicated to developing one’s personal relationship with God. This is not time spent listening to sermons while in the car or on the treadmill. It is one-on-God time that is set apart to sit at the feet of God, enjoy his Word, and abide in Him (cf. John 15:1-9; Luke 10:38-42).
How do you do Devotionals?
Step 1: Be Silent
A good way to start is simply by silencing all the distractions around and in you so that you can focus. The Bible calls this waiting on God (cf. Psalm 25:5; 62:5).
Step 2: Pray
After you have focused in, pray a short prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and incline your heart to the beauty and joy of God’s Word. You may want even to recite the following passages:
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Psalm 119:18
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Psalm 119:36
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Step 3: Read
Read through a passage of scripture. It is best to follow an ordered plan rather than skipping around to a random passage each day. Be mindful of the leading of the Spirit as you read. If there’s anything you don’t understand, read it again.
Step 4: Process
After you read, it’s important to spend some time processing what you’ve just read. You may want to ask yourself the following questions that will help you better understand the text:
What does the text teach about who God is (i.e. his nature, his character, his values, how he works)?
What does the text teach about people or humanity?
Are there any commands, judgements, warnings, or promises in the text?
Are there any good examples to follow or bad examples to avoid?
How can I actively trust God with what I have learned in this text particularly in light of the gospel in Jesus Christ?
Feel free to write down any thoughts you may have in a physical or digital journal. If there is anything you don’t understand about the passage, write that down as well so that you can later consult extrabiblical resources (like a commentary or a pastor or a leader) for help interpreting it.
Step 5: Pray Again
Spend a few minutes praying though the passage you just read. Ask God for the faith, strength and hope to love Him and others in light of the lessons you’ve gleaned from the text.