What makes a good devotional?

[Shepherd]

I know this is a relatively broad question, but I was wondering if you could please tell me what makes a good devotional. What are the key ingredients? Any particular format, etc? I have been writing words of encouragement for the Lord, and I just go as led, and so haven't really thought too much about structure or anything - I just seem to post what's on my heart, and in the order it comes to me. Any thoughts and recommendations? Your ideas and teachings are much appreciated!

Thanks
Shepherd

[Shann]

Generally it is a SHORT PIECE, UNDER 500 WORDS AnD OFTEN LESS, (I hate the cap lock button)
I like when a suggested scripture read is given like read Matthew 7: 1 - 12 then a verse is highlighted like say Matthew 7:7 is written out.

Personally, I like it when a person shares a real life story in the beginning then shares how that particular scripture helps with the life event. I think a prayer is a must for a devotion because so many don't know how to pray. I also will end with a quote and a thought for the day. I also might suggest a prayer focus. For example if my real life story was about a doctor I might write" Prayer focus: Those in the medical field.

That's the format for the Upper Room which is my favorite devotional magazine. I hope that helps some.

[Shepherd]

Generally it is a SHORT PIECE, UNDER 500 WORDS AnD OFTEN LESS, (I hate the cap lock button)
I like when a suggested scripture read is given like read Matthew 7: 1 - 12 then a verse is highlighted like say Matthew 7:7 is written out.

Personally, I like it when a person shares a real life story in the beginning then shares how that particular scripture helps with the life event. I think a prayer is a must for a devotion because so many don't know how to pray. I also will end with a quote and a thought for the day. I also might suggest a prayer focus. For example if my real life story was about a doctor I might write" Prayer focus: Those in the medical field.

That's the format for the Upper Room which is my favorite devotional magazine. I hope that helps some.

Thanks so much Shann, I appreciate your comments. Quite suddenly I have an interest in reading other people's devotionals - maybe the Lord is trying to teach me something!

[Shann]

Here is one I did for a challenge once
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=36037

And here is one more. They aren't great, but I hope they help. I once took an online devotional course from a fellow member's publishing company. It helped a lot.

http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=37912

And here is a link to our expert devotion writer. I do believe almost every challenge he enters is a devotion. This is his profile page. Take your pick, they are all amazing.

http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=10876

[Shepherd]

Here is one I did for a challenge once
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=36037

And here is one more. They aren't great, but I hope they help. I once took an online devotional course from a fellow member's publishing company. It helped a lot.

http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=37912

And here is a link to our expert devotion writer. I do believe almost every challenge he enters is a devotion. This is his profile page. Take your pick, they are all amazing.

http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=10876

Wow thankyou!

[LadyBug1]

Is the devotional course still available? I have been thinking a lot about writing devotions - that is what I read most. I would love to learn more about writing devotions.

[Shann]

I found my old emails and it appears that she doesn't do the workshops anymore. Her name is Tracy Ruck man and she now has her own publishing company. You could send her a message and ask about the workshops she used to do and see if she still does things like that. Here is the recent information I found for her.

http://www.writeintegrity.com

And this is the name of the company that I did the workshop

http://www.linkedin.com/company/wies-wo ... ng-courses

I hope that helps some.

[LadyBug1]

[Shepherd]

Here is one I did for a challenge once
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=36037

And here is one more. They aren't great, but I hope they help. I once took an online devotional course from a fellow member's publishing company. It helped a lot.

http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=37912

And here is a link to our expert devotion writer. I do believe almost every challenge he enters is a devotion. This is his profile page. Take your pick, they are all amazing.

http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=10876

Hi Shann

I've come back to say that I have read the first devotional that you have listed here, and try as I might, I cannot seem to stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks! Those words that you penned touched me on a deep core level and if you ask me, it doesn't matter what we might call a 'great devotional' - as long as it is written from the heart like yours was, then that's what counts in the readers eyes. Thankyou for sharing and God bless you. I have a 6 year old lovely little girl and she seems to just talk and talk as well, and I often find myself recounting the times where I just shunned her with a few nods or words to her approval, all in the aim of getting the housework done. I long to have the time to be with her without having so many demands on my life, but I believe the message for me is to simply stay put when I can and stop all this running around! HALLELUJAH! I love it how God gets His perfect messages to us - don't you?

Praise God!

Shep

Will be back to read the others soon...

[Shann]

Ahh thanks so much. You made my evening or night or whatever it's bedtime no matter what time. Now I'll go to sleep with a smile.

[write4christ]

For me, I like to have my devotionals structured in the following manner.

Bible verse
Anecdote / Experiential Sharing
Food for Thought
Application
Prayer

Visit my FW profile to have a look at my devotionals under Challenge Articles. God bless.


Best Regards
Edmond

P.S. Shann, thanks for your vote of confidence. God bless.