by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel
I
couldn’t believe the assignment was to write ten
devotions, using only 250 words. I knew I couldn’t do it—why it takes me
almost 250 words to say Hello!
But
I did. I completed that assignment and was thrilled to see my entries in a
compilation book that arrived in today’s mail – “Just Breathe.”
I
enjoy a variety of devotions – spiritual
readings that draw us into the presence of God, helping us grow in our faith.
When I started writing such books, I realized that I wanted to write what I
personally wanted
to read. In other words, I wanted my devotions to be a balanced combination of
inspiration and teaching, always with practical application!
And
yet, the nature of a daily reading is that it is short, not exhaustive. So that
was then the challenge of writing short, yet deep. Not easy! In the process of
telling stories, I wanted to offer substance that enlarged the reader or made
them want to dig in more to God’s Word. And
then do something about it. So I included many other fascinating sources—not just my own limited wisdom. My devotions are best when they
are a mere catalyst to further study.
Here is a
checklist I use in my own devotional writing:
1. Inspiration
Please
do not attempt to write devotions unless regular time in God’s Word and prayer is a vibrant part of your own life. You simply
cannot pour out for others from an empty soul. Are you reading other devotional writing
from various time periods? Do you follow spiritual disciplines such as silence,
journaling, worship, prayers, and Bible study? As you grow in the Lord and
discover new truth where His Word and your life begin to intersect, you will
have the necessary inspiration to share with others.
2. Idea
If
you are writing an entire book of devotions you must definitely find a thematic
thread to tie them all together. Sometimes this is as simple as “devotions for new mothers” or “devotions based on all the ‘fear
nots’ from the Bible.” Other times you may have an assignment to write a
devotion which observes God and nature, for instance. But there always needs to
be an Idea that is the crux of your piece. In one book I gathered biblical
words that drew the reader into the presence and refuge of God – “Dwelling Places.” So that idea
was to explore how to incorporate God’s commands
for dwelling with Him into the life of the reader.
3. Intrigue
As
you begin writing, start with a title that will pique your reader’s interest. If there is a bit of mystery and intrigue, your
blog or entry will receive more hits. That’s why “You
Are Not Her!” is a more inviting title than “Comparisons Can Be Deadly.” The
potential reader wants to know who “Her” is and
why they are being told that. Hook your potential reader from the very beginning. Use
questions and draw your reader into the narrative. Often you can open with an
illustration from your own life, then develop the devotional, concluding with
how that real-life illustration was resolved. Full circle.
4. Illustration
A
good devotional connects real events of daily life with the ongoing activity of
God. But those can be events from a historic figure, a Bible story, your own
life, or even a fictional character. The key is to retell their incident with
as much interest as possible. Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath,
but you could put your own twist on it by beginning with. He knew he was doomed. Way out of his league. How could he possibly be
victorious? Digging deep into his pocket he pulled out his only resource – five small
stones. They would have to do…. When you
finally get around to identifying David and sharing how God equips us for even
the most unlikely challenges, your reader is learning something in a fresh way.
5. Instruction
Your
illustration is the story, but you must also include the meat of the devotion,
which is the teaching part. Connecting how God steps in for our daily
challenges and crises of life. It’s best not
to try and cover an entire chapter in the Bible. In fact, I most always use
one simple verse, and sometimes even just one word from that verse. Just be
very clear in what you say and back it up with good theology (and maybe even a
footnote or two). This is the crux of
your devotion. Everything you have said thus far builds to this place. And now
the reader must make a choice.
6. Incorporation
What
will your reader do as a result of
this devotional they have read? The takeaway is an important aspect, because
God wants both hearers and doers of His Word. And people turn to devotionals
for help in what they are facing daily. This is a perfect time to share from
your own life. Be authentic and vulnerable, but don’t feel that you need to reveal intimate particulars. More
people will identify with broad statements that they can apply to their own
situation. If you have writing guidelines that require a closing prayer, make it
simple and short. Or you could leave an action point, or even a benediction (scriptural
words from the Lord) as I did with two of my own books.
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Writing #devotions that are short & deep! Tips from @LucindaSMcDowel on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
6 Tips to help you write devotions that are short & deep - @LucindaSMcDowel on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Great thoughts and even greater instruction Ms. Lucinda. Thank you for sharing God's blessings today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lucinda. Love how your 5 points all begin with an I. Impressive!
ReplyDeleteLucinda, this is so helpful! Thank you for giving us such clear direction on writing devotionals!
ReplyDelete