by Penny McKown
Today I would like to share with you my experiences in using devotionals to increase my faith and to move closer to God. Let’s begin by considering what a devotion (also known as a devotional) is. As I began to research devotionals, I found that there are many different definitions. I will share with you the definition which most closely matches my own experience with devotionals. A devotion consists of a short passage from the Bible, an exploration of that passage, and a conclusion which guides the reader in how the message of the passage can be applied to daily life.
My first experience with using a devotional on a regular basis came when I was in sixth grade. At that time in my small Maine church, Sunday School students who were aged 12 and older were expected to stay upstairs in the sanctuary for the service, while the younger students had their lessons downstairs in the vestry. I was expected to sit still, be quiet, and listen to the sermon. I missed the kindness of my Sunday School teachers and the brightly colored lesson booklets that were used for the younger students. One of the few things that piqued my interest during that time was a wicker basket of Upper Room devotional booklets kept at the back of the church. I loved those little books because they contained stories written by actual churchgoers and I could relate to them. I also absolutely loved that the booklets could be taken home.
Later, after the hectic, busy, and rewarding years of raising my children, I suddenly found myself with time on my hands. While visiting my aunt in Florida, one of her neighbors kindly introduced me to writings of Sarah Young and her book of daily devotionals, Jesus Calling. I rejoiced when I found another of her books of devotions, Jesus Always, at Carla Pierce’s bookstore. Both of these books helped me because they are written in the first person singular and when the passages are read, it sounds as though Jesus is speaking directly to the reader. This adds a caring and reassuring tone to the writing. Here is an excerpt taken from Jesus Always, the devotional for 12/06/25 (p. 357): “Trust me, Beloved. Every time you have an anxious, fearful thought, you need to take multiple looks at Me. Speak my Name to remind yourself that I am nearby, ready to help you.”
Here I would like to share with you another devotional, the Board of Laity Wednesday Morning Prayer & Devotion Recording. These online devotions take place on Wednesday mornings at 7:00am and are led by the Conference Lay Leader, Gail Douglas-Boykin. I especially enjoy the music and inspirational messages which are part of these meetings. I am happy that the meetings are early in the day and in the week. They help to set an uplifting and spiritual tone for the days ahead. I hope that you will enjoy the recording of the devotional offered on November 26, 2025.
