Stuck in a Devotional Rut? Two Ideas That Will Give You Traction

Routines dig ruts in our lives. Sometimes sticking to our way gets us stuck, and we don’t try new things. This lack of variation leads to boredom and inflexibility—especially in relationships. Relational monotony stunts our growth. We fail to discover new avenues to deepen friendships.

Mature Christians often encourage new believers to have a daily quiet time (a time to read Scripture and pray). A healthy spiritual life depends on these two essential elements. Unfortunately, we can turn these things into another to-do on our list; we cease to view our daily devotions as a time devoted to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Variety sparks new interest; switching things up leads to discoveries of delight. Does your fellowship with Jesus feel stale at times? Does He seem distant? Here are a few ideas to spark new vibrancy in your intimacy with God.

First, New Perspective

The Bible speaks the very words of God (1Timothy 3:16). It’s living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Don’t focus on the pages; focus on the Person. The Lord calls us into an intimate conversation when He instructs us to pray. When we pray, we need to focus on our Bridegroom—the Lover of our souls—not our honey-do list. Keep in mind this is not a time to read your Bible like an ordinary book and recite a list of your needs. A devotional time should be an intimate conversation with the One who knows you better than you know yourself. Listen. Ask good questions. Be honest. Be vulnerable.

Second, Vary Your Habits

Here are a few suggestions. Of these ten variations, try one that’s new to you and get out of your rut.

1. Read in a different translation for a time

Reading a diversity of translations develops a fuller understanding of the text.

2. Read the sixty-six books chronologically

The books are not listed that way. However, there are chronological reading plans online and chronological Bibles in print. Watch the story of redemption unfold from beginning to end.

3. Intentional Rereading

Imagine you received a letter from a loved one who lived hundreds of miles away. Would one quick reading be enough? It wasn’t in the days before texting and the internet. People would read those letters over and over to treasure every thought. Do this with the Epistles. Read the whole book in one sitting. Then repeat until you see: the book’s theme, main ideas, and flow. This method applies well to short stories in the Gospels or Old Testament narratives, too.Spend a week with Sarah or the woman at the well. Put yourself in their place. Can you feel, hear, and see what they did?

4. Speed Read

This practice requires ambition; it’s not for the faint of heart or slow readers. Read large passages in one sitting (10-12 chapters at a time). Speed Reading will take you through the whole Bible up to three times in a year. This approach brings the panoramic scope of redemption into view. You’ll see how each book of the Bible fits into God’s story. If you only get through one and a half times, don’t be discouraged. Speed reading is not an easy discipline.

5. Read a Messianic Jewish version (Living Tree Version is one example)

Doing this will teach you some Hebrew words and expose you to a different Old Testament arrangement. Most importantly, it will remind you Jesus is Jewish, and our spiritual genealogy came through these chosen people. Their law, holidays, and worship foreshadow the wonders of our Messiah.

6. Do Different Styles of Bible Study

Try inductive studies like those produced by Precept Ministries. Try lessons without video teachers.

7. Do Topical Word Studies

For example, how many times is the word “love” used in the Bible? What kind of love does each passage talk about (there are two different Greek words and an interesting Hebrew word translated “lovingkindness” in the Old Testament). Are your ideas consistent with God’s definition?

8. Journal

Reinforce your discoveries by writing love letters to God. Write out prayers, observations from Scripture reading, even your confessions of sin, and don’t forget to record your praise and thanksgiving. Try the S.O.A.P. method of journaling that Love God Deeply publishes.

9. Pray as you read

Communicate your thoughts and questions as you read. You’ll be amazed at how personally God interacts with you through His Word. Inquire, and He may answer in the next sentence. Are you reminded of a friend? Pray for them from the text. This approach turns reading and praying into a divine conversation, a unique discussion.

10. Pray Scripture

When we pray the prayers in the Bible or promises and principles from God’s word, we know we are praying according to His will. For example, try praying James 1:2-4 for a hurting friend, “Lord, please help my friend learn the patience You want to develop in them. Give them joy through this difficulty.”

Keep in mind; no particular method is exclusively the best or the only way to get closer to Jesus. The only wrong routine is the one that got us stuck. Each approach provides different benefits to Spiritual growth. Change stretches us; it expands our capacity to know Him. The Lord is, after all, a God of the infinite, creative variety. So, reflect His image by being creative in relating to Him. And enjoy the spark it brings to your fellowship with Him.

(If you want more ideas for enjoying time with the Lord, I recommend Oxygen By Keri Wyatt Kent and Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. You can find reviews of these books on my books page under Library, and  affiliated Amazon links to help you acquire a copy.)