6 Tips For Starting a Daily Devotional Routine
Creating a daily devotional routine can be a great way to unwind, recalibrate and be refreshed. It’s not about checking off a box on a to-do list, but rather developing a lifestyle of seeking God. When we develop a hunger to get to know Him, our quiet time isn’t an obligation, but a delight.
Research suggests that having a regular prayer and study time rooted in scripture is associated with greater life satisfaction and improved mental health benefits. The road to developing this healthy habit may seem daunting, but remember that small starts produce great things. God tells us In His Word that He doesn’t despise small beginnings, so we shouldn’t either.
Daily Devotional Routine
1. Set a Specific Time and Stick to It
Our modern world is full of distractions at every turn. The pressure of busyness and mindless scrolling seems endless. However, we must actively prioritize our relationship with God if we desire to know Him deeply.
One effective way to do this is by setting a specific time for our quiet time and sticking to it. Whether it is early in the morning or before bed, carving out dedicated time for prayer, Bible study and worship will help us make it a habit that will then turn into a lifestyle.
Don't let the hustle and bustle of life distract you from what truly matters. Set your devotional time and honor it with consistency and determination. Once I got past the initial choice to pray in the morning before school for ten minutes, eventually my hunger for God grew to the point that I wanted to spend longer time with Him in the evenings or whenever I could.
2. Find a Quiet Place
Finding a quiet place to focus on God can greatly enhance your walk with Him. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be difficult to find moments of stillness and reflection. This is why setting aside dedicated time in a quiet space is so important. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Word of God and connect with Him. It gives you a space to be honest with God and with yourself about where you’re at and what you need to grow in.
Whether it's a room in your home like your bedroom or office or a peaceful spot in nature, find a place that you can relax. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to quiet places to pray and seek the Father. He prayed in a garden and on a mountain. He also tells us to pray in a quiet place in our home with the door shut
There’s something about seeking God in a quiet, solitary place away from everything else. It allows our hearts, minds, souls and spirits to fully and deeply connect with Him.
3. Bring Your Bible, Pen and Journal
Bringing your Bible, pen and journal with you to each devotional time can enhance your experience and allow you to fully engage with God and His Word. Not only that, but having a journal nearby gives you the opportunity to jot down any insights or personal reflections that may come to you during your time with God. Writing down by hand what you’re leaning has been scientifically proven to help with memorization and retention. So the next time you're getting ready for a devotional, make sure to grab your Bible, pen and journal - you never know what God may reveal to you.
4. Read a Passage from the Bible
Starting your day with a devotional can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. One way to do this is by beginning each devotional with reading a passage from the Bible. The Bible is full of amazing wisdom, teaching and insights into deeper mysteries about God that can help guide us through life. It can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day and forget to make time for diving into the Word. By incorporating a daily devotional practice that includes reading the Bible, we can remind ourselves of the important things in life and stay grounded in our faith.
5. Take Notes
When it comes to devotions, it's not always easy to retain everything that you read. That's where note taking or journaling comes in. Taking notes during your devotional can be a great way to ensure that you remember the insights you gain and the lessons you learn. There are plenty of ways to take notes - you can jot down key phrases and concepts, write in different colors or even record audio or video snippets. Not only does note-taking help you remember what you've read, but it also gives you something tangible to look back on and reflect upon later on. I once heard a statistic that we are 42% more likely to remember things if we write it down. So, the next time you sit down for your devotional, grab a pen and paper (or your device of choice) and get to note-taking!
6. Spend Time in Prayer
Taking a moment to reflect on all the blessings in our life can be a deeply humbling experience. Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life that we forget to appreciate the little things. This is where prayer and gratitude come into play. Whether it's giving thanks for a food on the table, a good job or a safe place to call home, taking time to acknowledge God's blessings can be a great way to change perspective and enter into an attitude of joy. So, take a deep breath and spend some time in prayer today. Let your heart overflow with gratitude for all the good things in your life. You might be surprised at just how much there is to be thankful for.
Wrap Up
Developing a daily devotional routine is not only good for spiritual nourishment, but for overall mental and physical wellbeing. By setting the right atmosphere – whether in a quiet place or at home – it can make it much easier to concentrate while reading Scripture and in prayer. It takes time and effort to successfully establish this as part of your life, but the rewards are worth it in the end. And remember - always keep your Bible, pen and journal handy to record your thoughts and notes. As you practice consistently, you will go from having a short devotional time to taking more enjoyment from it as you learn more and become closer with God.
What is your daily devotional routine? Leave your tips in the comments section below so we can all benefit by hearing what has worked for you!