How to Do Personal Devotions? | Module 3 | Lesson 3

 

How to Do Personal Devotions?

---

I. Preparing Your Heart and Setting the Atmosphere

1. Find a Quiet Place
   Devotion time is for focusing on God, away from distractions.
   Matthew 6:6
   “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

2. Prepare Your Heart with Prayer
   Begin with a prayer for guidance, openness, and humility before God.
   Psalm 139:23-24
   “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

---

II. Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

1. Select a Passage or Follow a Reading Plan
   Choose a passage that you can focus on or follow a reading plan to stay consistent.
   Psalm 119:105
   “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

2. Read Slowly and Thoughtfully
   Reflect on the meaning of the passage and how it applies to your life.
   Joshua 1:8
   “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

3. Focus on Key Verses
   Identify key verses or phrases and meditate on them deeply.
   Psalm 1:2
   “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

---

III. Reflect and Apply

1. Ask Questions About the Text
   Think about what the passage reveals about God, humanity, and your own life.
   2 Timothy 3:16-17
   “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

2. Personal Application
   Write down insights on how the scripture applies to your daily walk, relationships, and goals.
   James 1:22
   “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

---

IV. Prayer and Communion with God

1. Pray Based on the Word
   Use the scriptures you read as a foundation for your prayers, asking God to help you live out His Word.
   Philippians 4:6-7
   “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

2. Confession and Surrender
   Confess any known sins and surrender any struggles, seeking God’s strength and forgiveness.
   1 John 1:9
   “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

3. Give Thanks and Praise
   Express gratitude for God’s goodness and recognize His role in your life.
   Psalm 100:4
   “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

---

V. Journaling Your Thoughts and Prayers

1. Write Down Reflections and Prayers
   Journaling can help you remember insights and monitor your spiritual growth over time.
   Habakkuk 2:2
   “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

2. Record Any Personal Revelations or Convictions
   Keep track of moments when you feel God is speaking directly to your life circumstances.

---

VI. Waiting and Listening for God’s Voice

1. Take Time to Listen
   After reading and prayer, be still and open to any impressions, thoughts, or scriptures God might bring to mind.
   Psalm 46:10
   “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

2. Be Open to the Holy Spirit’s Leading
   Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you, bringing understanding and revelation.
   John 16:13
   “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

---

VII. Concluding in Praise and Thanksgiving

1. Close with Gratitude
   Thank God for the time spent in devotion and any new understanding received.
   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
   “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

2. End with a Commitment to Live Out What You’ve Learned
   Commit to applying insights from the devotion throughout the day.

---

Summary

Personal devotions are a time of drawing closer to God, studying His Word, and allowing it to transform us. By setting aside this sacred time daily, you grow in intimacy with God, gain wisdom for life, and deepen your faith.