As you click through the devotional, you’ll see three sections under each week:
- A hymn verse
- A scripture passage
- Weekly practices
Each week, you’re invited to read the verse, sing it like the karaoke star I know you are, and carry it with you throughout the week. The scripture passage illuminates the theme of the hymn, and then the practices (“Pray, Fast, Give”) flow out from the same source.
The “Practices” section is designed to introduce you (or remind you) of spiritual practices in ways that might be unfamiliar or unused. Some of them will delight you. Some of them will not work for you. Try them all at least once during the week they’re offered, and if one or two end up feeling like a really great fit for you, keep practicing them.
This devotional offers fresh material weekly, but try to use it daily….or daily-ish. (Life is busy, and no one’s perfect.) A recommendation: sit down with this devotional on Sunday, and decide how you want to engage with its content during the week, before the week gets started.
Suggested daily pattern
If you’re really gung-ho about using this devotional every day (high-five!), here’s a suggested weekly pattern based on a practice of scriptural reading and praying called lectio divina. Tweak to your heart’s content.
Sunday
Read/Listen to/Sing the hymn verse. Read through the “Practices,” and decide which ones you’ll try, and when in the week you’ll try them. Write those commitments into your calendar/planner/agenda/plan for world peace.
Monday
Read the hymn verse again. What words or phrases stand out to you? What images capture you most strongly?
Tuesday
Read the hymn verse again. What emotions come up as you read it? What memories does it evoke? What hopes does it stir? How does God seem to be speaking to you through these words?
Wednesday
Read the hymn verse again, but this time, offer it as prayer. Respond to its words, offering God the thoughts, hopes, and questions you hold.
** Now follow the same pattern, with the scripture reading: **
Thursday
Read the scripture verse again. What words or phrases stand out to you? What images capture you most strongly?
Friday
Read the scripture verse again. What emotions come up as you read it? What memories does it evoke? What hopes does it stir? How does God seem to be speaking to you through this passage?
Saturday
Read the scripture verse again, but this time, offer it as prayer. Respond to its words, offering God the thoughts, hopes, and questions you hold.
As you work through these reflections, consider journaling to record your thoughts, insights, questions, and prayers.