Blessed is the man…who delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  Psalm 1:1,2

     You don’t hear very many sermons about having devotions. Maybe if you went to summer camp as a teen, but even then, people don’t always share how to actually do it. I think it’s partly because we are all so different, and devotions are personal. We all have different relational and worship styles. But I want to give you some help (from “Captivating,”).

     First, you have to make time. Saying, “I know I should….” Doesn’t make it happen. Schedule a time. And if you want to want to, (even though that’s about as excited as you are so far), why not ask God to help you become desperately hungry for Him? Ask His help in creating the time and space you need to draw close to Him.

     And when you finally sit down, pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you--that you would see Him as He really is. (Sometimes we aren’t excited about spending time with God because we have a skewed view of what He is like.)  When I started, I asked Him to show me how much He loves me, and every time I read a verse about God’s love, I underlined it! I couldn’t believe how much there is about God’s love—all over the Bible!    

     Why not begin by just telling Jesus how wonderful He is—how thankful you are for all that He’s done for you. You could mention some of the things He’s done recently and give thanks. Then maybe write out a prayer of thanks for His love and grace. Thank Him for being so faithful.

     Then as you continue writing, tell Him what is troubling you today. Ask Him to speak to you as you open His Word. You could then record a verse or a thought that comes to your mind as you read. I make it a letter sometimes. Then I pick up a red pen and write what I think He would say as I reflect on who He is and what the Bible says.

     “You probably already know this but the Word of God and prayer are your lifelines. To the extent that you read His Word, you will recognize His truth. To the extent that you trust His love, you will be powerful in prayer.  The Word helps you to grasp God’s great heart for you, and prayer not only invites Jesus’ involvement into your life—prayer changes you.” (Susie Larsen, “Your Powerful Prayers”)

*Will you set a date to begin? There is no set time-length. Just begin.

Father, I want to learn to recognize Your voice, and I know that this is where I begin. Put a fire in me to draw near to You. I know that You are faithful to me. Help me to be faithful to You! Amen.


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