Personal Devotion

A Template for Personal Devotion

Introduction

This template guides BMBs in establishing a consistent, meaningful devotional practice, emphasizing simplicity and flexibility to fit their context. It focuses on time, place, and a structured yet heart-led approach.
Time:
  • Choose a regular, specific time daily (e.g., 10 minutes) that fits your schedule, start small and increase as it becomes natural.
  • Why: Consistency builds habit; quality of heart matters more than the length of time (Matthew 6:6).
  • Tip: Early mornings or quiet moments (e.g., before others wake) work well, especially in security-sensitive areas.
Place:

Find a quiet, solitary spot free from distractions—no public places or noisy settings.

Scripture Examples: Jesus sought solitary places:

  • Luke 5:16— “He often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”;
  • Mark 1:35— “Very early… He went off to a solitary place”;
  • Luke 4:42—“At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place”.
  • Options: In some contexts, finding a safe spot for devotion can be tricky, so consider a quiet moment under a baobab tree, by the riverbank, in a secluded part of the compound, or while tending to livestock. Adapt to your needs for safety and privacy.
Tools:

Bring a Bible (physical preferred over phone to avoid distractions) and notebook.

Prepare Your Heart:
  • Begin with prayer to focus on God, setting aside pressures (e.g., school fees, sickness) for a moment.
  • Example: “Lord, I’m overwhelmed, but I’m here for You”—no need for formal words (e.g., Peter: “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30).
Read the Word:
  • Pick a small, consistent portion of Scripture (e.g., Ruth 1) and read it daily, building understanding over time.
  • Avoid: Random flipping to any page in the Bible; instead, follow a story, a book, or character until complete.
  • Mindset: Scripture is for ongoing growth, not a race and never say I have finished reading the Bible.
Study the Word:
  • Read slowly — observe who, where, how, and emotions in the text without rushing to interpret.
  • Example: In Jairus’s story (Mark 5:21-43), imagine his frustration as the woman delays Jesus—feel the event.
Interpret:

Let observations guide understanding, not forcing the text to fit your desires.

Apply:
  • Ask, “What will I do with this?”—make it practical (e.g., Ruth turned grain into food, not just admired it).
  • SMART Application: Select a goal to achieve which is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (e.g., “I will stop lying to three people this week”).
Practical Tips:
  • Notebook: Write the date, passage, short observations, main point, and application.
  • Expect Variability: Some days will bring deep insights, others nothing—trust God’s timing.
  • Find Interest: If the Bible feels dull, ask for help to see its relevance.

Sample Personal Devotion Template

Here is a sample personal devotional guide to help you cultivate a simple, joyful habit of daily time with God through engaging with His Word.

When

Pick a regular time (e.g., 10 minutes each morning).

Where

Find a quiet spot (e.g., room, under a tree, or even the bathroom if private).

What to Bring

Bible, notebook, pen (phone off to avoid distractions).

Steps

Pray

“Lord, help me focus on You today.” Set aside your worries for a moment.

Read

Choose a small Bible part (e.g. Ruth 1:1-5). Stick with it daily until you finish the story.

Think

What’s happening in the passage? Who’s it about? How do they feel? Jot down one thing you notice.

Understand

What does this mean about God or me? (e.g “God cares for Ruth through others.”)

Apply

What can I do with this today? (e.g. “I’ll be kind like Ruth.”)

Pray Again

Thank God for speaking to you, and ask for His help in applying the passage in your life.

Tip: Some days you’ll get a lot, some days little—keep going! Some days you may just read the Word and meditate without the template.

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