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
Thank you!I do my devotion mostly every morning, even sometimes on my note pad on my phone or tablet’ it’s brings life….hope and encouragement!
Hi I just started writing g my daily devotion yesterday. I’m glad I did it helps also to stay studying in my Bible. This article has helped me. Thanks!
I’ve been attempting to write devotionals for years. I’m now trying to structure them the correct way. Help?
I love to organize my devotions with a READ, WRITE and APPLY method. Of course there are many ways a devotion can be written, however here is an idea I recommend. Start with a theme verse, followed by 5 minute encouraging read on how the verse has impacted your life, and then 1-3 questions on how the reader can address the devotion in there own life. I hope that helps!