Ten Steps to Writing Devotionals

Ten Steps to Writing Devotionals
by Verda J. Glick

1. Develop a Close Relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Before you write a devotional meditation, see that your own spiritual life is in harmony with God. Bible study and quiet times of prayer are imperative if you want to meet other people's needs.

2. Study Devotionals.
Write to publishers and request sample copies and writers' guidelines. Don't forget to enclose SASE (a self-addressed stamped envelope) with each request. When you get your sample copies, notice the slightly different slant and format of each publication. Become familiar with each editor's taboos and preferences.

3. Follow each Publisher's Requirements.
Don't ignore rules or try to add lines or words as if the guidelines were only suggestions.

4. Keep a Spiritual Journal.
Carry it with you wherever you go. When an idea comes, write it down before it evaporates. Record incidents and insights. Read your Bible with a pen in hand.

5. Draw from Your Journal.Look for a personal experience with a spiritual/scriptural parallel. Spell out the connection as clearly as you can. Try to recreate the experience so concretely that your readers will feel the same emotion that you did.

6. Grab Your Reader's Attention. Use an interesting hook that yells, "Read me!" This could be an anecdote, quote, description, problem, dialogue, or startling statement.

7. Be Concise. Focus on just one idea. Rewrite extensively. Delete without mercy. Always ask yourself, "How can I say this more concisely?"

8. Write Well. Avoid religious jargon. Write informally, with warmth, as though you were chatting with a friend. Use a personal, positive, and colorful style. Don't be preachy or pious. Inspire your readers by showing them that God is at work in our daily lives.

9. Use Scripture Correctly. Don't take Bible verses out of context. Quote briefly and include proper references. Punctuate accurately.

10. End with a Satisfying Conclusion. Leave the reader with a summary, challenge or new idea. Close with a prayer that refers to the theme of the entire meditation.

Verda Glick is a missionary to El Salvador, pastor's wife, and free-lance writer. She has been published in more than sixty periodicals including GUIDEPOSTS,BREAKAWAY, WRITERS' JOURNAL, WRITERS' WORLD and ADVANCED CHRISTIAN WRITER. Her book DELIVER THE RANSOM ALONE, Christian Light Publications, P.O.Box 1212, Harrisonburg VA 22801, E-mail: orders@clp.org It is also available at: http://tinyurl.com/etoy