How to Write a Christian Devotional

What is a Devotional
A devotional is typically a short piece of writing of no more than a page or 200 to 300 words. It normally contains a passage from the Bible and a real life experience that is connected to the Scripture. It concludes with a prayer or a thought for the day.

Step by Step Instructions for Writing a Devotional
Devotionals come in many forms and layouts but here is a basic outline of how to put one together.
· Choose a Bible verse or two to base the devotional on
· Relate the Bible verse to modern-day living by telling a story that illustrates the meaning of the Scripture
· Write the story in a way that draws the reader in and captures interest
· Focus on one point that you want to convey to the reader
· Don’t write as though preaching. A devotional is more like a chat between friends
· Write a concluding prayer that summarizes the content of the devotional
· Select a suitable title

What Qualifications are Needed to Write Devotionals
Apart from writing ability, a person needs to have a close relationship with God and an enquiring mind that sees the connection between natural things and the Bible. Simple everyday occurrences are opportunities to see God at work and writing these down can bless those who read them.

Why should I Write Devotionals
Devotional writing causes writers to grow and develop in their Christian walk. To be successful at it, they need to spend time reading the Bible and praying and asking God for inspiration. A good devotional will also draw the readers closer to God.

Devotional writing is a fulfilling form of writing and when others are blessed by it, it makes the effort worthwhile. There is also some money to be made from writing devotionals – not a lot – but it is out there.

Come back next week to look at markets for devotional writing.

Debbie Roome works as a freelance writer from her home in New Zealand. Visit her at Debbie Roome or read some of her work at Suite 101 , Take Root and Write and Faithwriters.