Do you struggle with your devotional time with God? As Christians, sometimes we tend to push our devotional time to the side. In this reading, I will highlight a few simple ways to get you and your devotional time on track with God. Over the years I’ve learned not to push God to the side. Choose him first! There will definitely be times when you may struggle but just focus on having a set intentional devotional time for God. In addition, try to be consistent.
What is devotional time?
Devotional time is intentional time set aside for God. Look at this time as a devotional date for Christ. When you really want to build a friendship or relationship, you want to spend time with them, right?
Psalms 5:3
Listen to my voice on the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Why do you need to be intentional with your time with God?
It is so important to have time set throughout the day for God. Let’s self-assess ourselves for a moment. How many times have we gone throughout the day and never set a devotional time with God? What does devotional time look like to you? Imagine being in a physical earthly relationship, and you don’t have time to devote to your relationship or marriage throughout the day. What does think will happen over time?
Eventually, you will begin to feel distant, it will turn into a bad habit of not acknowledging that person. Oh, but if you need something, you will go to them and ask. And if they don’t provide you with what they need you get upset. Sounds familiar?
We’re not saying spend time with him to get what you want, at all. We’re saying the more you spend time with God the stronger your relationship will be. When he doesn’t give you what you want when you want it, you will understand that God has your best interest as your heart and his no could very much be his protection.
Having devotional time allows you to become closer to God, while also understanding how he thinks, and knowing that it may not always go OUR way. But this set of thinking comes with Devotional time with God.
What do you do during your devotional time?
Think about a relationship, it’s time to set apart to spend quality time with God. This consist of praying, journaling, taking the time to listen to God, soaking in their presence, spending time in the word, and studying the word of God. There is a method called the SOAP method for bible study. This method is a game-changer when studying the word. I am sure you will find hundreds of SOAP method templates all over the internet. But while you are here reading here is a free template you can use. Along with some additional pages that can get through the week.
- The S stands for Scripture.
While reading the bible, think of scriptures that stand out to you or convict your spirit, and write it down.
- The O represents an observation.
What did you observe while reading the scripture? Also, think about who wrote that book and who were they talking to. Pay attention to every word in the scripture. Are there any words or phrases that stand out to you?
- A represents an application.
Discuss how you plan to apply the scripture to your life. Or write any example where you may have applied this scripture to your life or any example of when you should have applied the scripture to your life but you didn’t.
- The P represents prayer.
This area is so important because it’s in the word of God. In Titus 2:13 it says to pray the word of
Another thing to add to your devotional time is devotional books to study. Below are two recommended books to start with, however, there are so many devotional books out there to add to your devotional time. Devotional books aren’t too long, some have real-life examples, scenarios, or situations. But every devotional always has a scripture tied to it that turns it back to God.
This Devotional is composed of storytelling but I love how it turns the topic of the Devotional Back to Christ. If you’re struggling with coming up with prayers related to the scripture this devotional has it all. At the end of each devotional, there is a prayer related to the devotional and scripture. This is great practice for you when you are studying the word of God and see scripture that stands out to you, and you can come up with your own prayer related to the scripture.
2. Jesus Always Large Deluxe: Embracing Joy in His Presence
The Jesus Always Devotional is good for keeping you on track each day as it is a 365-day devotional. Each devotional is marked for every day of the year. One great thing about this devotional book is that it has enough margin space on the side for you to write any prayers or notes. This devotional doesn’t come with already written prayers. This is great for you because you can allow the holy spirit to move and speak through you on what you feel led to pray about.
Just remember, you must be intentional in growing your relationship with Christ. Devotional time is that start, but don’t just do it because you want something to mark off of your checklist. I pray this article was helpful and provided you with a push of encouragement.