what are devotions?

cameragirl21 wrote: I realize this is something religious, like a type of prayer but what are they specifically? Is it just another word for prayer or is it something different? Are they done in groups or solitary, out loud or silent, pre planned or spontaneously and for how long do people do them?
I've been hearing this word tossed around lately and now am curious as to understand exactly what it means.
thanks for any info.
Oh, and before anyone asks or in case anyone wonders, no, i'm not looking to do devotions, just want to understand what they are.

luvmykids replied: It's a pretty broad term that can be just about any of the above. They can also be specific, I have a daily devotional book I love that is geared towards moms, it's just a Bible verse or two and a short paragraph that encourages me or gives me something to think about.

cameragirl21 replied:
I see, so you read the same verses from the bible each day? It's kind of like to be thankful and reinforce your strength for the day, or something to that effect?
Not to diminish the meaning of your bible verses/devotions but is it sort of like how elementary school kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school each day, to reinforce that they are Americans and to take pride in that and be thankful, etc?

luvmykids replied: No, it's a different verse or thought each day. One day I end up thinking about what I hope to inspire in my children, another day I am inspired myself to improve something in my mothering, another day I'm proud of the mom I am, etc. I have other devotional books as well that are more general, one is a word study "word of the day" type thing, one is about counting your blessings, etc....

A lot of people use them as a tool to focus for a few minutes a day on something, some use them to learn more about a certain topic, some use them to help them reinforce a change they're trying to make.

cameragirl21 replied:
oh, that sounds really nice, Monica, thanks for the 411.

ZandersMama replied: Hey Monica, could I get the name of that book from you, it sounds like something I would love.

whitting713 replied: I get the little "Our Daily Bread" devotional books free each month from RBC Ministries. You can go to their web site and sign up. I like them and they are free. They are also small enough that I can keep them in my purse if I want.

cameragirl21 replied: so you just read these devotions and that's all? Do people schedule them in and if so, is it a different planned devotion each day?
I find this very interesting actually.

boyohboyohboy replied: We manage more of a weekly devotions time. It generally is centered around what topic we are in at church that sunday, and then given reading materials that support that topic, and we use it as more of a quiet time, to meditate and speak to God, or just listen.
I have always also thought it was more of a time, to "hear" what it is that I am supposed to be learning but usually cant come up with on my own, or how the topics fit into our every day lifes.

I also use that time, as my time with God, time I devote to Him and dont let anything else get in the way of it.

but monica explained it very nicely.

luvmykids replied:
It's called Daily Wisdom for Mothers, by Michelle Medlock Adams. It's a 365 day devotional, so not EVERY topic is about moms, but that is the main focus. Here is part of the blurb from the back:

Whether it's a toddler or a teen calling you Mom, you want to raise your children right. But in a hectic, crazy world, that's no simple job....These brief, relevant, biblical, often humorous devotions are written by a mom, for moms, especially those with children still in the home. Organized into monthly themes such as worry, unconditional love, discipline, thankfulness, and praying, it provides biblical insight and encouragement for doing your vital job every day.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Devotionals can mean a variety of things for different people. They can be as simple as sitting down by yourself with one scripture and devoting 10 mins to God, or they can be done as a couple, a group, a church, etc.

I have devotional type books, study bibles, bible study books.....

I have a quiet time each day. This time varies for me. Usually it's when I can find a moment in my day where I'm alone, or alone enough not to be interrupted. I'll read some scriptures and just spend some time talking to God, worshipping Him, thanking Him. I might pick up a devotional book for related scriptures, or I might open my bible to explore something new. Sometimes I pray, sometimes I journal. Just depends what I'm in the mood for. These devotional times are when we learn more about scripture and grow closer to Christ. I pray all day, everday and about every situation pretty much, but spending time in devotions is like setting aside an hour or two for your best friend; to talk and catch up, etc. It's when God has our undivided attention and one on one time with us. It's precious to Him. It's when I hear Him speak to me most clearly.



I don't plan my devotions as far as one subject on a certain day. I let God do the leading and whatever He puts on my heart is what I study that day.

I hope that makes sense.

5littleladies replied: Just to add on to what everyone else has said, I do daily devotions with my kids-Usually before we start our school day. It involves reading a short story, a verse, and discussing how it applies to our lives. If you'd like to see an example here is a link to what we use- http://cbh.gospelcom.net/kfk/home.php.

I also do a daily devotion on my own, or rather a quiet time, like Aimee described. It is just a time I set aside to spend time with God-talking to Him and listening to Him and reading the Bible. Sometimes I use devotional books, which I love, but I don't have one right now so I just do my own thing.

luvmykids replied:
Jennifer, thank you for posting that link, I've been looking for something like that!

5littleladies replied:
You're welcome! I don't know if you noticed, but you can have them send it to you for free in a booklet with 2 months worth of devotions at a time. That's what we do.