"DEVOTIONAL LIFE CONSIDERED"

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

    Is there any good suggestions for a person seeking to develop a good prayer life and some good Bible study? May it be understood that if a Christian is going to grow spiritually, prayer and Bible study is a must and, in fact, it is commanded (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4). Christian book stores are filled with books containing ideas on our stated subject, but a few may be like the following:
    A scheduled daily time and place is needed to be put in a "covenant form" with God. An exact time and uninterrupted place is a necessity. Possibly the phone off the hook and a "do not disturb" sign on one's door will be needed.
    Using a notebook and a pen is helpful and is needed as well as a prescribed portion of Scripture. The outline of the devotional could resemble the following:
1) Scripture: (write down minimum of one chapter)
2) Text and Key Word: (write down the key verse from the Scripture and the key
    word within it)
3) Confession: (write down a minimum of seven specific sins, wrongs, etc., in your    
     life. Use abbreviations or codes if needed)
4) Divinity: (write down what you see in the Scripture pertaining to the Divine God)
5) Application: (record what way this Scripture can be applied)
6) Thanks: (record a minimum of seven specific things for which you are thankful
7) Petitions: (write requests for the following or similar areas)
    A) Lost/backsliders (name them)
    B) Health problems ( " )
    C) Various Ministries ( " )
    D) Missions ( " )
    E) Leaders (spiritual, church, government...)
    F) Family troubles
    G) Various items (economy, morality)
    H) Yourself: 1) Health 2) Family 3) Job 4) Devotional life 5) Proper spirit (lovable,
     evangelistic, forgiving)

As one writes the above, one should be in a spirit of prayer and then spend a few minutes in audible prayer as you focus your eyes and mind to travel back over your PRAYER JOURNAL. After using the above for a period of time and it begins to lose its  appeal, switch to another devotional plan!

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