A daily devotional time is time we set apart to read God’s Word, reflect on it and pray. As the psalmist wrote, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It is not a required ritual, but an opportunity to meet the One who loves us. If you want to start, or restart, a daily devotional habit, the five steps below will help.
Want to build a daily devotional time but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry! With these five simple steps, you can easily start your devotional journey and connect more deeply with God.
1. Choose the Right Place
Find a consistent place for your devotions each day. It should be quiet and free from interruptions so you can focus. If you travel often, choose a peaceful spot whenever you can. A familiar place will help you feel comfortable and ready for your devotional time.
2. Set a Regular Time
Choose a time slot that fits your daily schedule. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to keep the habit. Start with 10 to 15 minutes a day. Don’t pressure yourself to spend a lot of time at first; prioritize consistency.
At first it may feel like a sacrifice, but over time you will notice positive changes in your spiritual life.
3. Decide on Your Focus
What do you want to gain from this time? If you long for closer intimacy with God through prayer, spend more time praying. If you want to understand Scripture more deeply, prioritize studying God’s Word. You can flexibly combine both according to your needs and goals.
4. Make a Concrete Plan
Decide what you will do during your devotional time. Here is a suggestion for a 15-minute devotion:
- 6 minutes reading the Bible.
- 3 minutes praying.
- 2 minutes in silence, listening to God.
- 4 minutes journaling your reflections.
The goal is not to follow every minute strictly, but to create a clear structure that makes it easy to follow through.
5. Stay Disciplined
Commit to having devotions for at least 30 days in a row, no matter what. If you forget, make time for it later that same day. This process requires sacrifice and patience, but it will produce a lasting spiritual habit.
Tip: Everything of great value requires effort. When devotions become a habit, you will clearly experience a more meaningful and peaceful life each day.
About the Author
Ron Edmondson, senior pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Kentucky, USA, is a well-known Christian leader. He spent 20 years in business before answering God’s call into ministry. With deep theological knowledge, he has inspired many through his sermons and Bible teaching.
Compiled by the Communications Ministry – Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church, adapted from BibleStudyTools.com.
Keeping a Daily Devotional Habit for the Long Haul
Don’t be discouraged if you miss your devotional time some days. Habits are built through perseverance, not perfection. Start again the next day, even with just ten minutes and one chapter of Scripture.
A simple way to start is to read one chapter of a Gospel each day and ask three questions: What does this passage say about God? What does it say about me? What do I need to obey today? Then spend a few minutes praying through what you just read.
You can also find a friend to do daily devotions with, sharing one verse that touched your heart each week. Having a companion will help you persevere much more.
Over time, you will find that daily devotions don’t cost you time; they help you live the whole day with a more peaceful heart and clearer direction.
You may also like: Be Patient With Your Slow Spiritual Growth and 10 Ways to Weave Prayer Into Family Life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You always want to meet with us. Give us a hunger for Your Word and perseverance in our daily devotional time, so that we may know You more deeply. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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