How to Have a Personal Christian Devotion

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Realize that personal devotions have to be a choice.

   If we have a relationship based on a "have to" then it is more like a work relationship than a love relationship.
   
   Devotions have to be based on love.
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   Step 2: Do devotions as soon as you wake up.

   Here you are still relaxed and setting the tone for the day, spending time reflecting on God’s Word must be beneficial in this. ,, Devotion is not a good time to follow a reading plan, otherwise you will get sucked into a "have to" and not spend time listening to God.
   
   However a separate Bible reading plan is useful as we need to know what God is saying and know how to place Scripture in context but this is different from a time of devotion. , A relationship is two way.
   
   Meditation should include quiet reflection and an open heart. , A relationship needs flexibility. ,, It can be a very useful tool for remembering how things touched you and reflecting further or at a later date.
   
   A dedicated notebook and pen or pencil are useful for this and should be kept with your devotion Bible. , Do I have to ask anyone to forgive me? Is anything in my heart blocking me from getting the most from this personal act of devotion? Do I need to confess any sin? , What a great way to start the day by conversing with God!
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   Step 3: Have a set place for devotion and certain ideas on how you will "do" devotion.

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   Step 4: Start by listening to God

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   Step 5: read the Bible and spend time meditating on it.

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   Step 6: Involve prayer in your meditation; you can pray verses or converse with God while reading the Bible; just make sure you are also listening to what God might be saying.

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   Step 7: Set out to read a passage of Scripture rather than a verse or two

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   Step 8: context is important; but if you do find that one verse has a lot to say to you allow yourself the flexibility to meditate it.

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   Step 9: Do not beat yourself up about missing a daily devotion; make sure you complete it later in the day if at all possible

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    Step 10: God is not an angry dictator but loves you enough to understand.

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    Step 11: Keep a devotional journal.

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    Step 12: Go through a few questions before starting

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    Step 13: such as: Do I need to forgive anyone?

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    Step 14: Enjoy the relationship.

Detailed Guide

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