12 Creative Ways to Have Devotions

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I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle to have a meaningful quiet time. I can normally find a few minutes to squeeze it in, but often it’s just that – squeezed in. I feel rushed – or distracted – or tired.

One thing that’s helped me (but that I sure need to do more often) is to be a little more creative than simply trying to read the Bible and then pray. The point of a quiet time is to spend time with God – getting to know Him better, worshiping Him, and hearing from Him. And there are lots of activities that can help us do this that aren’t necessarily on the traditional list of things to do during devotions.

So here are some creative ways to have devotions. Of course, this can never replace reading the Bible and praying, but if you’re stuck in a rut or have had trouble focusing, try a few of these ideas and see what works for you.

And pin this post list for later, not just for yourself but to share with your kids or students when they need it.

Creative Ways to Have a Quiet Time

1. Listen to Christian music. Great music can really help you focus on God and His work in your life. So queue up a great song and really listen to it. Focus on the words and pray as you listen or after the song is done.
    
   
2. Watch Christian music videos. Lately, this has really helped me pray when I’m tired and fighting nodding off. Just jump on YouTube and type in your favorite songs. People have compiled so many great slide shows that help add another dimension of meaning to the words.
    
   
3. Journal. Journaling what you learn as you read Scripture can make all the difference. Just taking the time to write a few lines can add so much more meaning and impact.
    
   
4. Write your prayers. Writing down a prayer can be incredibly powerful as it can help you really focus on what you’re trying to say and eliminate distractions.
    
   
5. Memorize Scripture. Choose a verse or a passage and determine to read it at least a couple times a day. The best thing to do is to find a time that is normally wasted and to use that time to memorize Scripture. For example, I memorize Scripture while I blow dry my hair. Check out my post “The Best and Easiest Way to Memorize Anything” for thoughts on how to easily memorize entire chapters of the Bible.
   
   
6. Listen to Scripture. The Bible is now easily available on audio. Obviously the best way to focus is to simply sit and listen. But you can also try adding extra Scripture to your day by listening to the Word while completing other tasks.
    
   
7. Listen to sermons. So many pastors and churches put their messages online, so sermons are very easy to find. Try a few and find a pastor that connects with you. Then turn on a sermon while you complete household tasks.
    
   
8. Read a devotional book. A great devotional book can really make a difference in your spiritual life. You can read a daily devotional book like Our Daily Bread. Or, read a book on a certain topic.
   
   
   Update: I’m currently reading two incredible books who have helped my relationship with God more than anything else I’ve ever read or heard. I strongly recommend you read them! I’d start with A Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith and follow it up with Andrew Murray’s Abide in Christ.
9. Sing. How many times do the Psalms tell us to praise the Lord with song? Have you actually tried it in your personal devotions? You definitely should. And if you want to take it one step further, stand up and add a dance as you sing to the Lord.
    
   
10. Go for a walk. I love praying as I walk. It helps me stay awake and provides time for both praying and listening.
     
    
11. Do a topical study. Is there an area in which you’ve been struggling or a topic you want to know more about? Look up a list of verses about this topic and start studying them. Write down what you find. 
    
    
12. Draw. I’m really not an artist, so I haven’t tried this one. But if you like to draw – or even doodle – try drawing for the Lord and praying as you do so.

Update: I’m currently reading two incredible books who have helped my relationship with God more than anything else I’ve ever read or heard. I strongly recommend you read them! I’d start with A Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith and follow it up with Andrew Murray’s Abide in Christ.

What other creative activities do you incorporate into your devotion time?