How to start having a simple devotion?

Are you seeking a deeper connection with your faith but unsure where to start? You're not alone. Many of us yearn for a closer relationship with God but struggle with the hows and whens of devotion in our busy lives.

In our latest blog, we dive into the heart of building a personal and fulfilling devotional routine. It is not about adding another task to your day; it's about creating a sacred space where you can grow in faith and find peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Imagine starting each day feeling spiritually refreshed and connected or ending your evenings with a sense of peace and closeness to God. 

It's not just a dream – it's entirely possible with the right approach to devotion. Our guide offers practical, easy-to-implement tips that fit even the busiest schedules, helping you forge a stronger bond with God.

How to start having a simple devotion?

Starting a journey of devotion can bring you a lot of peace and happiness in your daily life. This guide will show you easy and essential ways to begin your devotion and make it a part of your everyday life that you look forward to.

Set a specific time 

The foundation of a successful devotion is consistency, and setting a specific time each day can significantly aid in this. Choose a time when distractions are minimal, whether in the tranquility of the early morning or the quiet of the evening. 

This routine helps build a habit, making devotion a natural part of your day. Focus on the quality and regularity of your devotion rather than the length of time spent. Whether fifteen minutes or an hour, dedicating a specific time for God daily can significantly enhance your spiritual journey.

Create a dedicated space

Having a dedicated space for your devotion can significantly enhance your focus and set the right atmosphere for spiritual reflection. It doesn’t require an elaborate setup; a quiet corner in your home, a comfortable chair, and a small table for your Bible, journal, and perhaps a candle can suffice. 

This dedicated space becomes your sanctuary, a physical reminder of your commitment to spend time with God. It aids in transitioning your mind and spirit into a state of worship and reflection.

Start with prayer

Beginning your devotion with prayer is a powerful way to open your heart and mind to God. It sets the tone for your devotional time, inviting God's presence and guidance into your study and reflection. 

You can use this time to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and ask for understanding as you delve into His Word. This prayer doesn't have to be long or eloquently spoken; the sincerity of your words matters, creating a personal and intimate connection with God.

Read the Bible

The core of your devotion is reading and meditating on Scripture. It can involve a few verses, a chapter, or a structured Bible reading plan. The key is not to rush but to read thoughtfully, allowing the words to speak to you. 

Know what the passage means, how it applies to your life, and what God might be saying to you through these words. Over time, this practice deepens your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with God as His teachings become intertwined with your daily life.

Reflect and journal

Reflection is where the insights from your scripture reading take root. Spend time pondering the day’s passage, considering its implications for your life. Journaling during this time proves to be incredibly beneficial.

Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and questions about the scripture not only aids in processing what you've read but also serves as a record of your spiritual growth over time. This act of writing can also be a form of prayer, a way to have a deeper conversation with God about your reflections and discoveries.

Incorporate Worship Music 

Music can move the soul, and incorporating worship music into your devotion can enhance your experience. Listening to a worship song that resonates with you can help you feel more connected, focused, and open to the presence of God. 

It can serve as a transition into your devotional time or be used as a background to create a more meditative atmosphere. Music can express sentiments that words alone may not convey, adding another layer to your spiritual practice.

Use devotional books or apps 

For those who might find it challenging to know where to start or how to structure their devotion, devotional books or apps can be invaluable resources. They often provide daily readings, reflections, and prayers, guiding you through scripture and offering insights to ponder. 

These tools benefit beginners by offering structure and guidance while also providing fresh perspectives and ideas for those well-versed in their devotional practice.

Close in prayer

Concluding your devotion with a prayer is a way to wrap up your time with God. This closing prayer can be a moment of thanksgiving for the insights gained, a request for strength and wisdom to apply what you've learned, or a prayer for the needs of others. 

It is a final, intimate conversation with God where you lay your concerns, hopes, and gratitude at His feet, carrying the peace and guidance received during your devotional time with you.

Why we need daily devotion

In daily chaos, it's easy to become caught up in demands and distractions. Daily devotion is highlighted here. This practice is essential for a grounded, spiritual life. We must practice daily devotion for two reasons.

1. Nurturing our spiritual growth: Like water and sunlight for plants, everyday devotion is vital for spiritual growth. It's time each day to connect with God, learn His lessons, and meditate on His messages. 

Through this practice, we grow in faith, discover our life's purpose, and learn how to live our convictions. We nurture our spiritual selves through scripture study, prayer, and meditation and develop a deeper relationship with God that leads our lives.

2. Daily guidance and perspective: Life can be complicated and overwhelming. Daily devotion provides direction and perspective. Daily time with God brings His insight into our lives. This time lets us evaluate our behavior, make faith-based decisions, and take solace in God's promises. 

It's a chance to reassess our objectives and look beyond our current problems. We gain clarity and calm during devotion to face the day with grace and strength.

By practicing daily devotion, we can gain spiritual depth, wisdom, and a solid connection to a greater purpose.

References to start devotion for beginners

Starting a Christian devotional journey can be exhilarating and intimidating. Here are five great resources to create and improve your devotional practice:

"My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers: This classic devotional has thought-provoking daily readings. Chambers' writings are introspective and challenge readers to examine God. A daily biblical passage and meditation stimulate deep thinking and spiritual growth.

Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling": This devotional is unique because Jesus addresses the reader directly in each daily entry. It offers warm and encouraging words, making it ideal for novices wanting a personal spiritual connection.

"The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren: This 40-day spiritual guide helps you discover God's plan for your life. Each chapter offers tips for a purpose-filled Christian life, making it ideal for beginners.

"New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp: This daily devotional offers simple and profound gospel-centered concepts. It's excellent for individuals who want to learn more about God's grace and how it applies to life. A short, digestible meditation with a Bible scripture is offered daily.