How to Have a Good Devotional Time

A simple, deep practice for meeting with God—daily.

Many of us want to meet with God, but devotional time can feel rushed, distracted, or shallow. The goal isn’t to “get through” a chapter—it’s to be with the Lord, hear His voice, and respond. Scripture promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). A focused 20–30 minutes with Jesus can steady your heart, clarify your day, and slowly reshape your life.

Below is a simple system you can use starting tomorrow. It centers on one clear plan, one small “block of thought,” and one honest conversation with God.

1) Build a Simple Plan (So You Actually Show Up)

Choose a time & place. Treat devotion like an appointment with a Person. Pick a consistent time (e.g., 6:30–7:00 AM) and a specific place (a chair, a desk, a quiet corner). Put your phone in another room.

Gather your tools. Bible (printed if possible), a journal, and a pen. Optional: sticky notes for distractions—when a to-do pops up, jot it down and return to God.

Pray before you begin. The Bible isn’t just information; it’s God’s Word, and we need His Spirit to open our minds and hearts. Before you read, pause and pray something like:

“Lord, open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word (Psalm 119:18). Speak to me, teach me, and show me how to live today.”

This short prayer prepares your heart, reminds you that you are meeting with a Person, and invites the Holy Spirit to make your time fruitful.

Pick what you’ll read—before you start. Decide on a book (e.g., the Gospel of Mark or Philippians) and move through it paragraph by paragraph. This prevents decision fatigue and helps you listen to God in context instead of proof-texting.

Add a micro-habit to make it stick. Tie your devotion to a daily trigger:

“After I turn off my alarm, I’ll sit in my chair, pray Psalm 119:18, and open my Bible to today’s passage.”

Set a gentle structure (20–30 min).

• 1–2 min: Arrive—pray and invite God’s presence.

• 8–12 min: Read one block of thought three times (see below).

• 8–12 min: Journal in two sections.

• 1–2 min: Name one concrete step for today and pray it in.

2) Read One “Block of Thought” Three Times

A block of thought is a complete idea in the text—often 3–10 verses (a paragraph in an epistle; a scene in a narrative; a stanza in a psalm). Slowing down lets Scripture read you.

First Reading — What does it say? (Observation)

Stay literal. No interpreting yet.

• Who is speaking? To whom? Where/when are we?

• Note repeated words, contrasts, cause→effect, commands/promises.

• Circle key verbs; underline connecting words (for, therefore, so that).
  This is like looking at the map before plotting a route.

Second Reading — What does it mean? (Interpretation)

Now move to author’s intent—their meaning before your meaning.

• What’s the main idea in one sentence?

• How does context (verses before/after, the whole book) clarify it?

• What does this reveal about God’s character and the gospel?
  Guardrails: Don’t force hidden meanings; let clear verses interpret unclear ones; keep the passage anchored in Christ (Luke 24:27).

Third Reading — How does it apply to me? (Application)

Truth aims at transformation. Ask:

• What should I believe, repent of, rejoice in, or obey today?

• Where does this confront my habits, relationships, or reactions?

• What one step would honor Jesus in the next 24 hours?
  Keep application specific, measurable, and do-able.

3) Journal in Two Honest Sections

Journaling turns reading into conversation.

A) God Speaks to Me

Paraphrase the text’s message to you—practical and emotional—in God’s voice, staying faithful to the passage.

“My child, I see your worry about today’s meeting. Bring it to Me in prayer. Instead of rehearsing ‘what-ifs,’ rehearse My promises. I am near; I will guard your heart and mind.”

B) I Speak to God

Now respond—confession, gratitude, requests, surrender—and write one concrete intention.

“Lord, I give You my worries about work today. At 10:20 I will pause and pray instead of spiraling. Guard my heart with Your peace.”

Template:

God Speaks to Me: (Write 4–8 sentences in God’s voice to you, rooted in the passage.) I Speak to God: (Confess, thank, ask, surrender, choose.) My intention today: (One action, time, and place.)

4) Put It Into Practice (Close the Loop)

End each devotion by naming one small act for the day that flows from the text. Write it down. If helpful, set a phone reminder.

Transformation is accumulated obedience—small, faithful steps with Jesus.

5) Try It for a Week

Give this method seven days and see what happens. Each day:

• Pray first.

• Read one block of thought three times.

• Journal in the two sections.

• Close with a simple step of obedience.

God is eager to meet you in His Word. If you come with an open Bible, an open heart, and a prayer for the Spirit to lead, He will. Devotional time isn’t just a habit—it’s a lifeline, a daily encounter with the living Christ.

Share this article with someone else to try it out and grow together!