How Do You Do It?

2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (KJV)

At the bottom of this page, it says, "Pray about contributing a devotional". Sounds okay, but how do you do it? What do you say? What actually do you pray for?

Perhaps my experience will help others. I had a request for something totally unrelated to devotionals, and contacted the editor with my story and my request. He suggested I try writing it into a devotional, and sent me the guidelines. With his assistance on a few changes, it was acceptable. One was okay, but how could I keep on?

As I'm often awake too early to walk with my dog, I just start by giving thanks for things for which I am thankful: things from the previous day, my family, my friends, my life. Something always dominates my prayer of thanks and I jot it down on the pad by my bed. I keep one in my car too, for when I am waiting for someone or stopped for a red light.

I write down my thoughts and then when time permits, I refer to my Bible, and to different books and guides I have for a general area on where to look for the scripture(s) I need. Sometimes the scripture is close at hand, more often than not, I read and refer, and read until I find what I'm looking for. The devotionals are not always "right on". Lots of times they need the editor's help, but the final result is a devotional, with more Bible reading getting done than ever before. And it was accomplished by the inspiration from God.

In a little book I am reading, a note containing a prayer found on the floor of a concentration camp asked that those who bore them ill will be remembered not for what they had done to others, but for the fruits the sufferers bore from the ill will: the comradeship, the loyalty, the humility, courage and generosity.

Our devotionals share with others not only that for which we are thankful, but also our insights into experiences similar to theirs.

Prayer: We give thanks, Lord, for the many things throughout the day for which we can be thankful. We thank you for those times of trouble, which others also experience. We thank you for the opportunity to share, to reach out with understanding. In Your name, we offer our thanks. Amen.