Sometimes it’s hard for people to figure out how to have a regular devotional life when life is busy and time is limited. I’ve put together a 20 minute plan that might be helpful as a start. I’m not suggesting that only 20 minutes is ideal, but I’m trying to help get you started on a regular practice.
Basic Devotion Plan
20 minute quiet time; 10 minutes in the Word; 5-8 minutes in prayer; 2-3 minutes reviewing memory verse for the week. Do this at a time when you are alert, not just when you are ready to crash. If you have to, get up a little earlier, shower, eat a little something and then take time for this.
4 times a week. (You could make it 5 if you think you can). There’s no commitment as to which days, but by Wednesday night 2 should be done and by Sunday morning 2 more.
I’ve broken up Ephesians into small sections below. Do not read more than one section. Read and think about the same section for the full ten minutes.
Buy a small notebook to keep prayer list and notes in. Put your prayer list(s) starting in the back and use the front for writing down one comment or question or challenge or encouragement you got from the day’s reading. Every day write at least one sentence, comment, question or thought.
Don’t allow any interruptions.
Develop a prayer list – keep it simple: someone’s name and a word or two to remind you what the key point is. After you’ve added and crossed things out, create a fresh page.
Ephesians 1:1-6; 7-14; 15-23
Ephesians 2:1-7; 8-13; 14-22
Ephesians 3:1-7; 8-13; 14-21
Ephesians 4:1-6; 7-16; 17-24; 25-32
Ephesians 5:1-7; 8-14; 15-21; 22-33
Ephesians 6:1-9; 10-20; 21-24
Before you go to bed, read one chapter of Proverbs based on whatever date it is. On Nov 15th, read chapter 15. Then short prayer thanking God for the day’s blessings.
Let me know what you think.