SIMPLE STEPS TO WRITING A DEVOTIONAL

Filoiann Wiedenhoff 

Have you ever wanted to write your own devotional but thought you weren't "Spiritual" enough? You read devotionals written by big Christian authors and speakers and wonder if you can ever write like they do? If you have had similar thoughts, this article is for you.

I want to start off by saying that big Christian authors and speakers didn't start out writing professionally. They have had years of practice. One important element to keep in mind when considering writing devotionals is, if you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and have been given the Holy Spirit; through the Holy Spirit, Christ who lives in your heart by faith, works and wills in you to accomplish His good purpose.
It is the Holy Spirit that enables you to accomplish His good work. The bible says He gives us understanding, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, love and all the fruits of the spirit. He enables you to write inspirational, encouraging, and affirming devotionals that speak to the mind, body and the soul.

The second most important element when writing devotionals is to write it for yourself first. The inspiration or encouragement you receive is what you will use to encourage others. Simply writing for someone else is usually not as affective because the tone and language of the devotional may come off as a lecture or preaching at someone rather than to someone. Self application is a must to write heartfelt and sincere devotionals that touches the heart.
My advice is to write from the heart and write with a Holy fear that you are simply relaying God's words but with your own personal touch. Over the years my greatest healing came through writing personal scripture devotionals that changed my life and it will change yours as you make the effort to spend time with God and allow Him speak to you. God is faithful and He will do it!

I have put together 8 simple steps to writing a devotional and encourage you to practice, practice and practice some more. As you do, you will be blessed more than you can imagine or think.

        Pick your Scripture

In your daily quiet time with God, pick out the scripture that speak most to your heart. God speaks to us through His Word and when we take note of the particular passages and dig a little deeper God will speak volumes.

  Read in Context

Once you have picked a passage, it is important to understand the scripture in context. Simply put; read what the passage means in its own chapter. Read above and below to get the full meaning of why the passage was said and what it means. If necessary, read cross references or bible summaries.

   Find Overall Theme

To find the theme, once you read the context of the passage along with a particular message, look for what the Holy Spirit may be showing you through the passage. It may be forgiveness, love, holiness, anger, etc. Take that as your overall theme and build your devotional around that theme.

   Do Your Research

Find keywords within the passage, especially your theme words and look them up in bible dictionaries like Webster dictionary. Do cross references on your main passage and topical scriptures. You can also add a familiar story or bible story that sums up the theme and lastly, look up bible commentaries to expand your understanding of the passage.

Draw your Conclusion

After you have done all your research findings, draw your conclusion of what you believe God want to say to you about the topic's real message. Write it down.

  Personal Application

Once you have done a thorough study on the passage or theme topic, spend time pondering this lesson and ask God to help you receive this for yourself. Begin to apply it by putting it into action in your own life. You can also write that down.

  Write it Out

Next begin to write it out in format. The most common formula is: 

• Title
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

Here is the part where you put all your research, thoughts and personal experience and/or revelation into a readable devotional format. Organize your thoughts first, and then condense all of your findings into a brief and to the point summary. Make it clear, concise, and simple for anyone to understand.

Edit, Edit, Edit:

The definition for Edit simply means to refine to conform to a standard or purpose. Go over all of your writing, checking for spelling errors and grammar. Make sure your devotional stays on point. Editing is also another important element to writing devotionals, articles, papers etc. If you think you need to brush up on your grammar, there are grammar handbooks available online or at your local library.

Once you start writing devotionals you will grow and improve in your writing abilities and skills but more importantly your relationship with Christ will grow and be more intimate as you spend more thoughtful time in His Word. I hope these tips will encourage you that anyone can write devotionals as long as they come from the heart and glorify God!

Filoiann M. Wiedenhoff is a pastor's wife,work at home mom, Womans Biblical Counselor, Bible Teacher and Writer. View her website for more articles http://filoiannwiedenhoff.com/

 
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS