The Best Tips for Writing a Killer Devotion

Possibly the best piece of advice for writing a killer devotion (in a spiritual sense, of course) came from a teeny tiny book I recommend every time I teach devotion writing: David J. Sluka’s, 16 Ways to Create Devotional Writing to Renew the Spirit and Refresh the Soul.

The advice? Don’t tell them everything you know, just more than they know right now. Your goal isn’t to bring your reader from salvation to sanctification. As Sluka says, “Just do your part to connect your reader to Jesus a little more each day.”

With this goal in mind, we’re free to choose one point. Just one. Then knock it out of the park.

5 Steps to Writing a Killer Devotion

Step 1: Select one point.
Example: I want my readers to know that the details of their lives matter to God.

Step 2: Brainstorm a personal, historical, or scriptural story to support this point.
Example: Tell how the president of your company found out you and your husband were celebrating your fortieth wedding anniversary and congratulated you in front of everyone during a staff meeting.

Step 3: Create a transitional statement between your story and the Scripture that spotlights your point.
Example: I was touched when Mr. Higgins, the president of our company, took notice of our special day. I’m even more touched to know that God, the Creator of the universe, takes notice of the small (and large) details of my life.

Step 4: Share the biblical support for your point.
Example: In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus assured His disciples that God sees and cares about every detail in the universe—from a tiny sparrow falling to the ground to a much-celebrated anniversary. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” he asked. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Step 5: Show your readers how to apply it to their lives.
Example: Whenever I feel unseen or insignificant, I remember that I’m more valuable to God than many sparrows. God sees me. God cares. God celebrates.

The next time you sit down to write a devotion, remember your goal isn’t to tell your readers everything you know. Choose one point and then craft a devotion that will draw them one step closer to God. This simple process will help you write a killer devotion—every time.

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