The Lord delivers truth to those He loves through a myriad of genres. He knows our hearts receive best from different tones during the seasons we face. Nonfiction books and sermons exhort us with direct commands to march onward. Novels coax us into virtual adventures where experiences teach us. Poetry and worship lyrics sing us invitations to raise our hands or bow our heads in reflection. Yet Christ speaks His gentlest through a genre known for its smallness.

Devotions reach out from humility. This genre claims no expert position from a lectern or star’s call from a concert stage. The tone neither commands nor cries out. The personal expressions from a writer’s heart serve as a soft light to invite those who seek a way out of darkness.

Unlike the elaborate journey of a novel, a devotion bears a simple and singular message. The brief space holds only one lesson, not an adventure’s handbook of points. The words strike one note and allow it to resonate into the marrow of all listening hearts.

A transcendent chord begins with the breath of the Spirit and emerges from a writer who learned the genre’s essence. Writing a devotion to bless readers must begin with insight from the Word. Prayerful meditation on Scripture shapes the whisperer and the message.

Three important characteristics of Christ’s nature serve as the structure of an effective devotion. Jesus invites us to learn from His meek and humble nature. He shares His heart without restraint, offering Himself as our nourishment. Christ also invites us to dwell in His presence. These three keys reflect the essential elements of a devotion:

To breathe inspiration through this small, yet powerful genre, practice the following:

• Inhale the presence and inspiration of the Holy Spirit through prayerful meditation on Scripture.
• Focus on a singular message or insight.
• Maintain a humble, personal tone. Avoid preaching or direct advice. Devotions welcome readers to experience “me too” instead of “how to.”
• Offer transparency. Show readers how the Lord changed you.
• Share an analogy or anecdote to invite readers to experience God’s presence with you.

With humble and personal insight, a devotion whispers into the depths of a reader’s soul. If the Lord calls you to write these small yet powerful messages, may the Spirit breathe His inspiration through your voice.

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