Discipleship
Devotions
Philippians
4:4-6
4 May you always be joyful in your union with the
Lord. I say it again: rejoice! 5 Show a gentle attitude towards everyone.
The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in all
your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful
heart.
TEV
These first two items (Bible reading and prayer) are part of your devotions. We are admonished to always be in prayer, but we need to take a special time each day to go to the Lord in reading, prayer, and meditation. Many people use various devotionals for this time alone with God. Many good ones exist, such as Our Daily Bread, and various devotional books. There is no set method for your daily time with God, but you need to establish a procedure that you follow faithfully.
The last year or so I have used a combination of reading the Bible, reading books with small sermons, and prayer. At other times I simply read Scripture and pray. God will work with you in whatever pattern you follow for your devotions, as long as you are taking time to meet with Him.
Likewise, I want to suggest there is no “right” time for your devotions. Many people argue that first thing in the morning is the time, since this sets a good model for the balance of the day. However, praying as you shower will set a good model as well, and devotions can be undertaken at night, or at lunch, or any other time that fits with your schedule. Many people are not morning people, and they should wait until they are awake so as to be able to absorb and assimilate God’s teachings for that day. Others are just the opposite. Morning is their time. It only makes sense to go to God early in the day for these people.
