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Writing a devotional is an excellent way to express the insights and experiences you've gained throughout your Christian journey. When crafting a devotional, focus on one brief passage—usually a single verse. Then, engage the reader by relating that verse to a personal story, interpretation, or reflection, and conclude with a call to action. Once you're confident in writing a single devotional, consider compiling several into a collection and submitting them to a publisher!
Steps
Structuring the Devotional
Pick a publication and adhere to their formatting requirements. Review the submission guidelines of your preferred devotional magazine or website, or search for a list of publishers that currently accept devotional submissions. The submission guidelines will typically specify a word count, so aim to stay as close to it as possible. Additionally, these guidelines may include the preferred format structure or devotional style. Tailor your devotional to suit the intended audience for each publication.
- For example, you may choose a publisher that specializes in devotionals for women, with a word count range of 150-250 words.
- While researching formatting guidelines, check for a submission calendar. For instance, the publisher might focus on devotionals related to Psalms in May, with a submission deadline as early as February.
- If the publisher is linked to a particular denomination, ensure that their doctrines and beliefs are reflected in your writing.
Fun Fact! Some well-known publications that feature devotionals include Guideposts, The Upper Room, and Christianity Today.
Start with a scripture passage. Devotionals typically focus on a single verse from the Bible, though this may vary depending on the publisher. You might choose a verse that conveys a Biblical principle, or one that includes a detail which you can expand into a broader truth. If your passage is longer than one verse, be sure to select the portion that directly addresses the topic you'll be exploring.
- Remember, different Bible translations may word verses slightly differently, so double-check that the verse matches the version you're referencing.
- If you're working with a publisher, they may provide you with the passage. You might also select a verse that aligns with their submission calendar or fits the target audience for your chosen market.
- For example, if you're submitting to a collection focused on Psalms, consider a verse like Psalms 22:14: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me."
Capture the reader's attention with a story. After presenting your verse, begin your devotional with a compelling anecdote or a vivid description that brings the verse to life. This introduction doesn't need to be lengthy, but it should immediately engage the reader.
- Be yourself! Authenticity helps readers connect more deeply with your message.
- For example, when reflecting on Psalms 22:14, you might share a personal story like: "In the fall of 2012, my world fell apart. I had just lost my first real job, and shortly after, I received the news that my father—my spiritual guide and best friend—had passed away. I didn’t know how I was going to go on without him."
Link the story to your interpretation of the scripture. Once you’ve drawn in your reader with a personal story, connect it to your understanding of the scripture. Keep the focus tight—a devotional should highlight the key message of the verse, not attempt to explain everything.
- For instance, you might tie your grief story back to Psalms 22:14 by saying: "I felt weak and hollow—my body and heart seemed to have melted away. I couldn’t control my emotions, but in the midst of that fog, something deep within me urged me to pray. It wasn’t even words—just a soul crying out to God. King David, too, experienced such a sense of despair, but he still called out to God from the depths of his brokenness."
Connect the story to a universal truth. While the devotional may include a personal story, it shouldn’t solely focus on you. Try to relate the experience to a broader, universal truth that the reader can apply to their own life, such as a lesson about love, life, loss, or a fundamental Biblical truth about God's love or strength.
- For your devotional on Psalms 22:14, you might write something like: "Whether you're grieving a recent loss or struggling with past wounds that won't heal, know that God's love is vast enough to heal your pain."
End with a prayer and a call to action. Encourage the reader to take steps that will bring them closer to their loved ones, help them overcome challenges in their life, or bring their concerns to God in prayer. Follow this with a suggested prayer for them to reflect on as they meditate on their devotional that day.
- For example, you could conclude your Psalms devotional with: "Try praying this today: 'Dear Lord, comfort my broken heart. Teach me how to use this pain for Your glory, and guide me as I navigate this path. In Jesus' name, Amen.'"
Perfecting Your Writing
Pray before you write. Writing a devotional is a deeply spiritual act, so avoid reducing it to just word counts and catchy stories. Before you begin—and throughout the writing process—pray sincerely that God will guide you, helping you share His truth in a way that honors Him.
- It may be helpful to write your devotional after your own morning prayers and Scripture reflection.
Focus on one key element of the passage. When selecting the topic for your devotional, avoid making it too complex. While it’s easy to dive into deep theological discussions, devotionals are meant to inspire the reader to reflect on a particular aspect of their life.
- Focusing on one point will also make it easier to meet word count limits.
- For example, if you’re writing about John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends," don’t explore all the forms of love. Instead, focus on the sacrificial love shown when someone lays down their life for another.
Keep the audience in mind as you write. The best devotionals are those that balance the personal with the universal. To connect with your reader, think about who you are writing for and tailor your stories, examples, and language to their experience.
- For instance, if you're writing about forgiveness for a market aimed at married Christian couples, you might share an example of forgiving a spouse. But if the target audience is teens, you could write about forgiving friends, parents, or siblings.
Write in an encouraging, positive tone. Even if your devotional focuses on a specific sin from the Bible, it's crucial to maintain a non-judgmental approach that doesn't make the reader feel condemned. Aim for a relatable and uplifting style that underscores God's boundless love, kindness, and forgiveness.
- For example, instead of saying, "You probably told a lie, right? That's a sin, and sinners are doomed," share a personal story of a time when you told a harmless lie but later had to come clean, showing the grace of learning and forgiveness.
Steer clear of controversial subjects. Theology can be full of debates and differing interpretations of the Bible. To avoid contentious issues that divide opinions, focus on universal principles that anyone can relate to, no matter their stance on more complex topics.
- For example, steer away from subjects like politics, human sexuality, free will versus predestination, or how Scripture should be interpreted—literally or metaphorically.
- Also, keep in mind the publication’s denominational perspective. If you're writing for a Southern Baptist audience, it's wise to avoid topics like drinking alcohol in moderation, as this may be controversial within that community.
- If you feel led to write about divisive issues, it may be better suited for blogs, online Christian articles, or even books rather than devotionals.
Writing Your Devotional Manuscript
Commit to daily Bible study. Whether you’re inspired by a passage you’re reading or an idea that pops up while reflecting on the Scriptures, regular Bible study is key to fresh, meaningful insights. Reading the Bible daily will help you find the right verses for your devotionals.
- Be sure to read each verse carefully, ensuring you don’t misquote or take it out of context in your devotional.
Carry a notebook with you at all times. As you apply Biblical principles to your daily life, you’ll naturally begin to gather stories and ideas. Keep a small notebook and pen in your pocket or purse to jot down any inspiration that strikes throughout the day.
- Each evening, review your notes and see if any Bible verses come to mind that might align with your thoughts and experiences.
Ensure consistency across your entries. When compiling a devotional collection, it's important to keep the length and tone of each entry consistent. Consider the audience you're writing for and their specific denominational background, as this can influence the focus of each devotional.
- For example, you could write a devotional book tailored to teens, new mothers, professionals with hectic schedules, or individuals dealing with grief.
Plan your devotionals around a calendar. Consider how many devotionals you want to include in your collection to align with a specific time frame. For instance, you could write 30 devotionals for a month-long study, 52 for a weekly study throughout the year, or 365 for a daily year-long devotional.
- If you're collaborating with a publisher, they may have guidelines on the number of entries to include.
Carefully proofread your devotionals. After completing your collection, set it aside for a while—whether it's a week, a month, or even longer—before returning to review it. Read through each entry thoroughly, checking for any spelling, grammar, tone, or phrasing issues.
- One helpful tip is to read your devotionals backward, starting from the last sentence and working toward the first. This method can often uncover errors that you might have missed initially.
- It's also a good idea to have someone else proofread your work, as they may spot mistakes that you overlooked.
Submit your work to Christian publishers. Once you're confident that your devotionals are polished and ready, send your manuscript to your chosen publishers. Always maintain a professional, courteous, and timely approach when communicating with them.
- If your manuscript is accepted, remember that revisions may be necessary, so be prepared to work with an editor. Be mindful of deadlines and remember that editing feedback is not personal.
