The Best Way To Study the Bible Effectively – How To Do Daily Devotions

In this post I’m going to show you how to do daily devotions, at least the way I do it. In my opinion this is the best way to study the Bible effectively, by making sure life application is always at the forefront.

Let me start by making a massive understatement: Having a daily devotional time with God is one of the most rewarding habits you can have!

Learning to study the Bible will allow God to speak directly to your heart and it won’t take long before people start to notice something different about you.

You’ll have an inner-strength that people will see through your eyes, you’ll be more in tune and more confident with what God is saying at any particular time.

Here’s my daily devotional plan and if you like it, you can do it too.

How To Do Daily Devotions

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A quiet place free from distractions.

2. Your Bible (you can download the free YouVersion Bible here)

3. A notebook and pen.

4. A good Bible reading plan to follow. (see www.bible.com/reading-plans)

5. Oh and of course… an open heart.

Step 1. Pray & Ask God To Speak To You

Pray: “God show me what you have to say to me through your life-giving Word today. In Jesus’ name.”

Open up your heart and mind and be expectant that God will speak specifically into your life.

Step 2.  Read Your Daily Scriptures

Follow through on your Bible reading plan until the Holy Spirit highlights a scripture to you, you’ll notice a particular verse that stands out to you.

Step 3. Starting Your Life Journal Journey

Let the first page of your notebook be the ‘Content’ page.

Add three columns: Date, Title and Scripture.

Then turn the page to start your first entry.

Add today’s date in the top left corner and let’s get move to step 4.

Step 4. Use S.O.A.P.

S.O.A.P stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.

Scripture – Write out the scripture verse the Holy Spirit has highlighted to you.

Observation – Write what you think the scripture is saying. What is it saying? What’s happening?

Application – Truth is powerless unless applied. Write how what you’ve read applies to your life.

Prayer – Finally, write out a prayer and ask God to help you apply what he’s revealed to you.

Write a title at the top of your page and you’re free to start applying the Word to your life!

Keeping a record of your daily Bible devotions is a precious thing.

You’ll be able to look back and see what God has said to you, you’ll be amazed at the transformation that will start to take place in you!

He is the life-changing God!

“May the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16” [Tweet this]

Keep consistent – they say you only need to do something every day for 21 days until it becomes a habit.

By doing this you’re building your life on the rock, that is Jesus. His Word is trustworthy and you can base your life on it!

I’ve been doing my daily devotionals this way since reading The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro – this is where I learned the S.O.A.P. method.

Though you might want to do yours a little differently, I hope this helps spark new inspiration and ideas for you to freshen up your daily devotions times.

Do you have your devotional time in the morning or evening? When do you feel closest to God? Would love to hear from you in the comments!