How to Write Your Own Daily Devotions

Daily devotions are a great way to be encouraged each day, especially when you are busy like most people today. Therefore, learning to write your own devotions can be a great way to interact  with the scriptures and share your faith with others.

Why should you write your own devotions?

You may be asking why you need to write your own devotions if someone else has done the work for you. When an author writes a devotional, there are five simple steps they followed to produce the final devotion. Three of those steps you will never experience from their writings! Of course you will be encouraged the testimony of other Christians. Consequently, the full power of the scriptures will be greatly missed! Therefore, it is recommended to write your own devotions more often.

Of course, it is not wrong to read devotions and testimonies written by others. However, having the tools to write your own devotions will equip you to receive the full power of scripture and therefore, share it with others as well. This is the discipleship process!

Where do I start when writing Biblical devotions?

Knowing where to start and how to start is the simplest, yet hardest part of writing your devotion! You simply need a passage of scripture. Although, not just any passage. While you can grab any passage and start, I recommend having a structured reading plan to pull your passage from. At iWrite Bible, we recommend the Chronological reading plan. A guided reading plan will help you understand the Bible and how you should apply the verses to your own life for growth. 

5 Steps to Writing your own devotions

Step 1 to write your own devotions: Choose a passage of Scripture

As previously mentioned, it is recommended to start with passages from a structured reading plan, like a chronological reading plan. Check out iWrite Bible’s scripture writing devotionals or google the Bible reading plan of your choice!

Step 2 to writing your own devotion : Journal Biblical facts

From the recommended reading in your Bible reading plan, choose a passage of scripture long or short. Comb back through those verses and make notes of the following facts within the verses.

• Who is the main character in the passage?
• What is the main event taking place (or both)?
• When did the character or event take place (requires additional research)?
• Are there any locations mentioned in the passage?

Taking the time to understand more about the character, event and locations in the passage will assist you in making an appropriate Biblical application to your own life for growth.

Step 3 to writing your ow devotions: Select your favorite verse

Your devotions have a common theme. Typically, there will be one or two verses that are used to base the devotion on. This is the verse that has the most impact on the reader.

• What is the theme to your favorite verse/verses?
• Journal – circumstances or moments in your life right now that caused this verse to stand out to you.

As you begin writing your own devotions, you will start to see a common theme! This is usually what God is teaching you. While this may be a simple step, it is in this step in the devotion creating template that will pull together a testimony. Also, be sure to commit this verse to memory!

Step 4 to writing your own devotions: Application

It is time to combine the information you have and create a devotion by applying the scriptures to your own life for growth.

• What actions do you need to take to grow in your faith after reading this passage of scripture?
• What attitudes is God correcting in your heart?
• Did these verses cause you to question prior knowledge or belief?

As you navigate these questions, consider the character of God as you seek to apply the scriptures to your own life for growth.

Step 5 to writing your own devotions: Encourage others

As you navigate a time of crisis in the world, there could not be a better time to be in God’s Word and sharing it with others! You can encourage others with your devotions in many ways:

• Social Media
• Start a blog
• Face Time
• Coffee Dates
• FaceBook Live

There are many other ways you can encourage others! As you feed your soul, you will bless many.

He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord

Psalm 40:3