The Bible says in James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you. ” By reaching out to God at the beginning of your devotion, you’ll be more likely to feel His presence. For example, you might pray something like, “Dear God, please help me understand Your message today. Send me the Scriptures I need to help me make the best decisions throughout my day. "
Try highlighting or underlining verses that seem significant to you when you read them. Then, when you re-read that passage, it will be a reminder of a time that God spoke to you in a special way. If you’d like some extra guidance during your devotions, try looking for a book of devotionals that you find relevant. For instance, you might purchase a book of devotionals that are geared toward students, mothers, or husbands. You can also find daily devotionals online.
For instance, if you’re reading the story of Jonah, don’t just picture a man inside the belly of a whale. Imagine how it feels to be facing a situation that seems completely hopeless, and reflect on a time you might have felt that way. Think about how God brought you out of that situation, the same way He brought Jonah to dry land. You don’t have to stop meditating on God’s word just because your devotion is over! Allow His wisdom to guide you all throughout your day.
Just as with any other journal, the way you keep a devotion journal will be extremely personal, so don’t feel like it has to fit any particular format.
It’s okay if you feel a little self-conscious at first. Just remember that you’re singing as a form of worship, and not to impress anyone else.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible tells us to “Pray without ceasing. ” This means you should always keep God in your thoughts, and you can talk to Him whenever you want. However, it’s still helpful to set aside certain times for more specific, intentional prayers.
Many people prefer to have their devotions early in the morning so they can start the day focused on their relationship with God. However, others prefer having their devotion in the evening before bed so they can reflect on everything that happened during the day. Find the time that works best for you. Your devotion doesn’t have to be very long—start by setting aside 10-15 minutes a day. It’s okay to be flexible. If you have something important you have to do when you’d normally do your devotion, try to find another time during the day to do it instead. However, even if you miss a day, you can just pick up where you left off the next day.
In Psalm 46:10, the Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God. " If you’re quiet and relaxed, you’ll be more likely to feel His presence around you.
For instance, you might say something like, “Hey Mom, I’d really like to start doing a devotion every day when I wake up. Do you think you could help keep my little brother from coming in the room until after about 7:15?”
Try not to think of it as a chore, but a chance to deepen your relationship with Him.
