How to Start a Meaningful Devotional Practice in 2023

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If you’re looking to start a meaningful devotional practice in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. Devotional practice can have so many positive effects on our spiritual and mental well-being, so it’s important to find the right devotional practice that works for you. 

 

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing seven ways to start a meaningful devotional practice in 2023, including what to focus on, how to create a schedule, and more. Joining communities like Planetshakers church can improve your daily devotional as well as make your faith stronger. Read on to learn more and start your own meaningful devotional practice this year.

 

Get clear about your intention

Before you start a meaningful devotional practice, it is important to get clear on what your intention is. Do you want to deepen your faith? Are you looking for guidance in your life? Or do you want to connect with the divine in a more meaningful way? 

 

Take some time to sit with yourself and think about why you want to start a devotional practice. When you’re clear on your intention, it will make it easier to stick to your practice and keep motivated. Write down your intention, so that you can revisit it whenever you need motivation.

 

Set realistic goals

The key to a successful devotional practice is setting realistic goals. Start by asking yourself what you want to get out of your devotional practice. Your answers could range from growing in spiritual maturity, connecting with God more deeply, or engaging with scripture. 

 

Once you have identified your goals, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. It might be helpful to start small, such as committing to spending five minutes a day in devotion and then increasing the amount of time as you become comfortable with your practice. 

 

You don’t need to make sweeping changes overnight, but small steps over time can help you reach your goals. Additionally, it’s important to remember that no one has a perfect devotional practice and it’s OK if you miss a day or two. The goal is progress, not perfection.

 

Choose a devotional practice that resonates with you

Finding a devotional practice that resonates with you is key to creating a meaningful practice. There are so many different practices out there that it can feel overwhelming. It’s important to take some time to research and explore what practice or practices would be best for you. 

 

Start by exploring different spiritual traditions and practices, paying attention to which ones feel most alive for you. Think about what type of guidance you need, such as personal development, healing, transformation, or relaxation. 

 

Consider whether you’d like to use prayer, meditation, journaling, music, art, or another form of expression. Take your time and don’t be afraid to try something new. When you find a practice that feels right for you, it will become easier to make it a regular part of your life.

 

Make time for your practice

It’s easy to let life get in the way and put off your devotional practice, so it’s important to make time for it. Schedule a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before bed. 

 

If you find yourself getting distracted during your practice, try setting an alarm as a reminder to keep focused. Don’t be discouraged if your practice isn’t regular just be sure to find a way to fit it into your daily schedule as much as possible. Additionally, consider adding your practice to your calendar as if it were any other meeting or appointment so you are more likely to stick to it.

 

Find a community

Having a supportive community can make a huge difference in your devotional practice. It can be a great way to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Consider joining an online forum, virtual meetup group, or spiritual organization related to your devotional practice. It’s important to have a group of like-minded individuals who understand and support your practice and can provide guidance when needed. 

 

Additionally, it can be a great way to learn more about the topic, exchange ideas, and find new ways to deepen your practice. Ultimately, having a community of like-minded individuals can help keep you motivated and on track with your devotional practice.

 

Be patient

Patience is key when it comes to developing a meaningful devotional practice. It takes time to establish a meaningful practice and it is important to take it one step at a time. Don’t become discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Acknowledge that there will be days when it feels harder to stay committed and keep going. 

 

Don’t be afraid to take breaks, ask for help, or adjust your goals as needed. Remember that progress is rarely linear and that it takes time to build habits and make them stick. Celebrate your small successes, have faith in yourself and your practice and be kind and patient with yourself.

 

Celebrate your progress

It’s important to take a moment to celebrate your progress as you start a meaningful devotional practice in 2023. Progress is often slow and steady, so it can be easy to get discouraged by our lack of progress or the lack of immediate results. 

 

Celebrating small successes can help you stay motivated and on track. You may want to keep a journal of your devotional practice and track any improvements or successes that come from it. If possible, set small goals for yourself and reward yourself when you reach them. 

 

Celebrate any successes with yourself, as well as with your friends or community if you have one. You may also want to take a moment to give thanks for the journey and everything you’ve learned so far. This will help you to stay focused on your intention and further nurture the feeling of success.

 

Conclusion

A meaningful devotional practice with great communities like Planetshaker church can be a great way to connect with yourself and your spiritual practice. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By taking the time to get clear on your intention, setting realistic goals, finding a practice that resonates with you, making time for your practice, finding a community, and being patient, you can make 2023 the year you start your meaningful devotional practice. Celebrate your progress and remember that every step is a step towards something greater.