Have you ever heard about the importance of having a ‘daily devotional’, a time every day with you, but the idea seems a little intimidating?
Maybe you think, ‘Where do I start? What do I need to do? What if I do it wrong?’
If these questions are familiar, this guide was made for you.
The truth is that a devotional is not a complicated ritual, but simply an intentional encounter. It’s separating a moment from your day to silence distractions, open your heart and connect with God through his word and prayer.
Let’s demystify this process with 5 practical steps for you to start today.
Step 1: Choose your ‘Sacred Place and Time’ for the daily devotional
Consistency is born from routine. It doesn’t take a perfect place or time, just a decided place and time.
Where?
Find a quiet corner in your home. An armchair, the kitchen table before everyone woke up, a balcony. The important thing is that it is a place with as few interruptions as possible.
When?
Most people prefer early in the morning, to start the day with the right focus, or the end of the night, to reflect and calm down.
There is no rule. Choose what works for your reality and set an alarm if necessary. The secret is to turn that decision into a compromise.
Step 2: Gather simple tools
You don’t need much, but having everything on hand helps you stay focused on the devotional.
your bible
It can be physics or an app on the cell phone (put it in ‘don’t disturb’ mode!).
A notebook and pen
Writing down what God speaks to you is one of the most powerful parts of the process. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate diary; A simple notebook is enough to record your thoughts, doubts and prayers.
Step 3: Use the P.L.M.O.
In order not to feel lost, a simple structure can guide your time. An easy to remember suggestion is the P.L.M.O.
P – Preparation (1 minute)
Take a deep breath. Say a very short prayer, such as:
‘Lord, open my heart and my mind to hear your voice. Speak to me through your word.’
L – Reading (5-10 minutes)
Don’t open the Bible randomly, it never works. For those starting out, the best tip is to follow a plan.
Start with the New Testament. The Book of John or the one of Philippians are excellent starting points.
Read an excerpt or a short chapter. Read slowly, paying attention to the words that jump to your eyes.
M – Meditation (5 minutes)
This is the time to ‘ruminate’ what you read. With the notebook in hand, answer simple questions:
- What does this passage teach me about who God is?
- Is there a commandment to obey or an example to follow?
- How can I apply this truth in my life today?
- Write down a sentence or verse that touched you the most.
O – Prayer (5 minutes)
Now, talk to God about what you read and meditated on. Prayer becomes a continuation of your reading. Give thanks for what you’ve learned, ask for help applying the truth of the day, and give your concerns to it.
Step 4: Start small and be realistic
You don’t have to do a one-hour devotional every day for it to be ‘valid’. 15 to 20 consistent minutes are infinitely better than a sporadic hour. The quality of your time with God is not measured by the clock, but by the sincerity of your heart.
Step 5: Be patient with yourself
You will fail one day. The routine will tighten, the tiredness will hit. And it’s all right. Don’t see this as a failure, but as an opportunity to start over the next day.
Devotional is not an obligation to win the favor of God, but an invitation to enjoy the presence ofHe, who already loves you unconditionally.
You should be happy to do this every day. It is a habit that generates great results for your Christian life.
Start today. Grab your Bible, your notebook, find your corner and just get started. God is more interested in your available heart than in His perfect performance.
