How to Be Consistent with Devotions

Do you know it’s a priority to spend time with God, but you get distracted with other things and forget? Here are some things that can help:

1. Get a Bible app and read as soon as you wake up.
   Most mornings, I make a point to read short section from the Gospels and think about how to obey/apply it. Jesus said that when we obey His commands, He makes Himself known to us (John 14:21). That is a real relationship where we take a step forward and He takes a step closer to us.
   Why read a short section?
   
   • It’s motivating. When we plan to read a lot at a time, we tend to feel bogged down. It might even feel like an empty ritual. This helps keep the “life” in our devotions. You can always read more at a later time in the day.
   • It’s better to read slowly and get something out of it, than to read a lot, simply for head knowledge. By focusing on a single thing to apply, you’ll remember it more easily.
2. As soon as you’re done reading, pray.
   Pray not just for your needs, but surrender to God for His will in your life. Take this time to wait quietly for Him to work in your heart. Many people find that when they take some time to “wait on God” quietly, He really does lead them and give them clear answers.
3. Follow ministries online.
   Look for good messages and music that leads you closer to God.
   
   • For a ministry you follow on Facebook, click “See first” so you will see their posts at the top of your news feed.
   • On Youtube, subscribe to ministries that have at least one new video every week.
   • With email, sign up for devotionals like the ones at dailysuccess.org.
4. Pray for people throughout the day.
   
   • Pray for specific needs. Every day, people are asking for prayer. Maybe they don’t even ask for prayer, but we know they need it. Don’t put it off until later, but stop right then and pray for them.
   • Pray for people who are suffering. Think of slaves, orphans, persecuted Christians, and other people in need.
   • Pray for the unsaved throughout the world, that Christians will be sent to lead them to Jesus (Matthew 9:38).
   • Pray for the government to make wise decisions that will accomplish God’s purposes.
   • Sometimes, pray for everyone you know. Pray for your family members, friends, even enemies (which Jesus said to do). Even if you can’t think of any needs they have, still pray for their relationship with God because that is the most important thing in life.
5. Listen to the Bible or Christian messages at night.
   When we’re going to sleep, it’s good to focus our thoughts on God. Find a way to listen to things that draw you closer to God — use your phone, computer, mp3 player, or other audio player and fall asleep thinking about the right things!

Final note — remember this is about a personal relationship with God! He looks at our hearts. Make sure these things are more than a routine, so you will truly grow in a relationship with God.