Devotionals. You've read them. You've been inspired by them. You've even found your life transformed by them, but what are they?
Devotionals are short, vivid articles that focus on one particular theme or topic and written with a concentration on one
single, spiritual teaching. A teaching that inspires the reader to reflect upon his/her own life without feeling as though he/she
has been lectured to.
Through thoughtful and well-written devotionals you, the writer, have the ability to touch the hearts of your readers while
offering hope and encouragement. But how do you write a devotional? What steps should you take to write an effective devotional?
Write As A Ministry.
Before you write a single word, pray. Ask God what He would have you write. Ask God to reveal Biblical principles to share with
your readers. Commit your writing to the Holy Spirit. Through intensive prayer and study allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as
you write because it is an awesome responsibility to write something used for ministry.
Write To Individuals.
Devotionals should be written with a specific audience in mind. Are you targeting women, men, or teens? Or
do you have a more specific audience in mind, such as teachers, mothers, or graduates?
Freelance devotional writer, Anna Popescu, writes devotionals aimed at those who struggle with chronic illness, pain, or
disabilities. Her intent is to help the reader “learn to find joy in the midst of pain, while truly trusting in God to
carry us through.”
While devotionals can cover painful material, they will minister more effectively to the reader if the reader is left feeling
encouraged rather than depressed. Therefore, it's always important to end your devotional on a promising and positive note; one
that offers encouragement for your reader.
My personal style is to convey a scriptural principle through the retelling of everyday events. Perhaps my experiences will help
someone else see the hand of God every place he or she looks. I've been told that my devotionals are “sweet-spirited, gentle
reminders to see, in the everyday world, pointers to God.”
Write With A Purpose.
Many people read devotionals for encouragement, to learn Biblical principles, and to find discipline. Others read devotionals
for guidance or comfort. And still others depend on devotionals to point them towards spiritual matters, and to God
Himself.
When you know why people read devotionals, your purpose for writing becomes more clear—more focused. You learn to write to
encourage, to offer guidance, and to give comfort. Just make sure you focus on the reader’s needs—not yours.
Write With A Personal Touch.
What is your devotion's "take-away value?" Have you read a devotional that just stuck with you? Have you ever found
yourself reflecting on its message for hours—or even days later? That was the author's "take-away value."
Take an interesting and unique approach to writing your devotionals and write something that sticks in your reader’s mind.
When asked what makes her devotionals unique, Tricia Goyer, co-author of
Mealtime Moments
said, “If it's unique, it's because His message is unique to me.” When you share an insight the Lord has revealed to you, it will
resonate with others.
Carmen Leal, author of The Twenty-Third Psalm for Caregivers,
said, “I write devotionals to reach broken people. Sometimes it's hard to read long books when your heart is hurting.
A devotional can pack a lot of information and comfort into a small space.”
Write In A Specific Format.
Unless you are writing your own book of devotions it's important to follow each publisher’s guidelines. Request sample copies
and writers' guidelines from publishers you're interested in writing for and don't forget to enclose a self-addressed stamped
envelope with each request. When you get the writers guidelines and sample copies, take special note of the contrasts in both the
slant and the format of each publication's devotionals.
Keep It Short.
Teresa Cleary, author of
Front Porch Reflections,
says, “I've written devotionals as short as 150 words and as long as 700 words.” You want to impart wisdom without wordiness,
and in general, avoid controversial topics or doctrine.
Use powerful quotes and make sure to give the author proper credit. Each quote should have a clear relationship to the devotional
and should never contradict scripture.
Use Scripture Correctly.
Bible study is an integral part of the Christian writer’s life. It's vital that you don't take Bible verses out of context and
that each scripture has a clear and supportive connection to the devotional. Quote scripture briefly and be sure to include proper
references. While scripture is essential for writing devotionals, you need to make sure the Bible verse is relevant to that particular
devotion.
Write A Satisfying Conclusion.
Leave the reader with a summary, challenge or new perspective. Close each devotion with a prayer that refers to the theme of
the entire devotion. You want your reader to reflect and meditate on the devotion you've written. If you conclude with a prayer,
keep it short and to the point.
Find Markets.
While I began by posting my devotionals on-line, you can find paying markets through Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers Market Guide
or Writer’s Market by
Kathryn S. Brogan and Robert Lee Brewer. You can also order writing magazines, like
Writer’s Digest and
The Writer.
One possible market for your writing is The Upper Room Magazine.
Devotionals only need to be 250 words and focus on how you can deepen the Christian commitment of readers and nurture their
spiritual growth. The Secret Place
is a quarterly devotional magazine with a worldwide readership. It is written solely by freelance writers, so your chances of
getting published are good.
Network
Network at Christian Writers Conferences, local writers groups, and on the Internet. Through networking and my
self-published devotionals, I've made many contacts that led to the publishing of my own devotional book.
As a devotional writer, you have an opportunity to bless and encourage others. Many people read devotionals first thing in
the morning. When you write words of healing, encouragement, and restoration you can make someone’s day a little
brighter or easier to get through.
I pray the Holy Spirit will anoint you and give you the words to write so that someone will be encouraged and restored.
Editor's Note:
Ran across the following guidelines for submitting devotional manuscripts.
Learn more on writing devotions.
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is a children’s author and inspirational writer. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God's
fingerprints everywhere. From bird watching to the Beatitudes, Shepherd's writing touches the heart with wisdom and
humor while feeding the mind with daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at
Devotionals by Donna.
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