How to Do Devotions

The habit of doing daily devotions takes practice and starting can sometimes be the hardest part. If devotions are a new concept to you, here are a few tips on how to help you get started. Remember, these are just tips. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do devotions and any time spent in prayer and reflection with God is meaningful.

Choose a devotional

Using a devotional is a great way to get started and stay on track with doing daily devotions. There are hundreds of different devotionals to choose from. You can buy them at your local bookstore or order them online. There are also free, daily devotionals available online or even in print. The Today daily devotional is one of them. We offer multiple ways for you to read the Today devotional. You can access it on our website, receive it via email, download and use our app, or receive a print version by mail. If Today isn’t right for you, search online for another devotional that you enjoy. It is important that you find a devotional that will help you stay engaged.

Find a good time

In order to do devotions well, you need time to focus, read, and reflect on your study. In our busy world, this might seem impossible, but it’s not. Start by taking note each day of the times when you have a few minutes. It might be in the morning when you wake up, at lunch time, after dinner, before bed, or when you’re waiting to pick your kids up from an activity. If you really cannot identify any free time in your schedule, you may have to decide to give something up in order to make your devotional habit achievable. This might mean giving-up 15 minutes of television in the morning or a chapter of pleasure reading at night. The time of day isn’t as important as making sure you find a, peaceful and consistent time.

Sit down and read carefully

When you find the time for your devotions, sit down and read them! Most devotionals offer a scripture passage, a short reflection, and a suggested prayer. Many daily devotionals are short, but contain a lot of information, so take some time to consume God’s teaching. Read the Bible passage and then the author’s reflection. Think about how the teaching applies to your life. Then take some time in prayer. Use the suggested prayer or you can say your own. Either way, be sure to focus on what God’s Word is saying to you.

Make it a habit

Perhaps this will be the most difficult part for you, but that’s okay! We all struggle with busyness and that’s why it is so important to find a good time in your schedule.. It is easiest to create a habit when you do your devotions at the same time each day. However, if your schedule changes, you will have to be both flexible and intentional about identifying the the different times you are free. If remembering is difficult for you, try putting reminders in your phone or even placing post-it notes where you might see them when you have free moments.

Doing daily devotions takes practice, but the benefits are worth it. You not only learn more about God and his Word, but the daily acts of reflection and prayer prepare your heart for the transformational leading of the Holy Spirit!

See our other resources on making personal devotions a habit