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 is 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 is not an obligation but a delight.

Most of us already want this. The American Bible Society’s State of the Bible 2025 research found that just over half of Americans (51%) wish they read the Bible more, and people who read Scripture daily score notably higher on human flourishing measures (7.9 out of 10, compared with 6.8 for those who never read). A devotional routine is simply the bridge between wishing and living it. 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 does not despise small beginnings, so we should not either.

Quick Answer

To start a daily devotional routine, pick one specific time and protect it, find a quiet place, keep your Bible and journal there, read one short passage, take simple notes and close in prayer. Begin with ten minutes a day. Consistency, not length, is what turns a devotional into a lifestyle.

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.

Do not 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 are at and what you need to grow in.

Whether it is a room in your home like your bedroom or office or a peaceful spot in nature, find a place where 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, and He tells us to pray in a quiet place in our home with the door shut (Matthew 6:6).

There is 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. 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 what you are learning helps you process it and hold onto it. So the next time you are getting ready for a devotional, make sure to grab your Bible, pen and journal. You never know what God may reveal to you.

If you are not sure what to write, my 20 Christian journal prompts for heart to heart time with God will give you a running start.

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 reading 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.

If you want to go deeper than reading, my 8 simple tips for studying the Bible show how to turn a passage into a study.

5. Take Notes

During devotions, it is not always easy to retain everything that you read. That is where note taking 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 snippets. Note taking helps you remember what you have read, and it also gives you something tangible to look back on and reflect upon later. Your notes become a written record of God’s faithfulness in your life.

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 daily life that we forget to appreciate the little things. This is where prayer and gratitude come into play. Whether it is giving thanks for 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a daily devotional routine?

Choose one consistent time, keep a Bible and journal in a quiet spot, read one short passage, write down one insight and pray briefly. Start with ten minutes. When the habit sticks to an existing rhythm like your morning coffee, it survives busy seasons.

What is the best time of day for devotions?

The best time is the one you will actually keep. Morning devotions set the tone for the day and follow the example of Psalm 5:3, but Scripture also shows evening prayer. Pick the slot where you are most alert and most consistent.

What should a daily devotional include?

A simple, repeatable rhythm works best: a moment of worship or gratitude, a short Bible passage, a few written notes on what stood out and honest prayer. Some people add a devotional book or reading plan, but Scripture itself should stay at the center.

How long should my devotional time be?

Long enough to meet with God and short enough to repeat tomorrow. Ten minutes is a wonderful start. Mine began at ten minutes before school and grew on its own as hunger for God grew, and that pattern is far healthier than starting with an hour and quitting in a week.

Developing a daily devotional routine is not only good for spiritual nourishment but for your whole person. It takes time and effort to establish, but the rewards are worth it. As you practice consistently, you will go from keeping a short devotional time to genuinely enjoying it as you learn more and grow closer to 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!