Christian Meditation: How and When to Use Devotions

What is a Devotional?

The word “devotional” brings up differing ideas for Believers.

For example, “devotional” can be a reference to reading the Bible and praying each day. You may hear someone use this phrasing: “I did my devotional this morning.”

For others, the term “devotional” refers to a daily reading plan that you complete for your spiritual growth. These devotions have an author share their thoughts and insights about a specific scripture or biblical text. What’s important to recognize with these devotionals is that they aren’t considered theology (which means the study of God) or Biblical doctrine. 

With this in mind, let’s look at how the devotion mentioned above plays out in our Christian yoga practice. 

The Use of Devotionals in Christian Meditation: 

We want to offer our students a variety of ways we can practice Christian Meditation.

In traditional meditation, you may have encountered times when the instructor read from a type of traditional yogic text (or something else). They usually did this at the beginning or end of class during final relaxation (Savasana in Sanskrit).  

Through devotionals in Christian Meditation, we can offer Biblically-based truths combined with personal stories and testimony to encourage and inspire our students. 

But before we get started, let’s take some words of wisdom to heart. 

We want to make sure the devotions we introduce to our students are biblically sound.

It is important to remember that devotion is written by a human, who is a sinner, just like you and I, which means they are fallible. Therefore some devotional writers have a skewed view of God’s word and can distort the truth. This can happen knowingly and unknowingly. Don’t let this deter you; we need to read devotions written from trusted sources who honorably use God’s word. 

Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:11-12 about false teachers and prophets who lead people astray. 

Devotionals are not the solid foundation for living the Christ-centered life; the Bible is. A devotional should not take the place of God’s word but enhance it. Think of a devotional as a snack, whereas the Bible is a full meal. A devotion will give you some satisfaction, but it may leave you still feeling hungry, whereas God’s word fills you up, leaving you full of His truths. 

HOW TO CHOOSE A DEVOTIONAL FOR CLASS

When selecting a devotional, this checklist can help you find one that will enhance your teachings and bless your students. 

You can use a devotion at the start of class. When using at the beginning of class, you would want your students to be either supine (on their back) or seated. 

Make sure the devotional is Biblically sound.Make sure it’s written by a Christian author who speaks God’s truth.Make sure it points you to Jesus and scripture.Use Devotionals recommended by a Biblically sound church, leader, or friend. Make sure the Devotion uses scripture in its entirety and not a paraphrase. This could indicate that the author is trying to change or omit portions of scripture to fit their message. A reliable study Bible is an excellent tool. This study Bible is reputable and well done: A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible: Seeing and Knowing God's Word, by Tim Challies, Josh Byers. Study Bibles give insight as to what the text is conveying in-depth. Therefore, if you are unsure if a devotional is biblically sound, you can reference the material with your study bible for clarity. When to Use a Devotion in Class: 

Take Note: Reading a devotion while standing can be challenging for students to concentrate as devotions are generally longer material to digest and comprehend.

You can use the devotion when seated at the end of class, perhaps after a breathing technique and before final relaxation. You can use a devotion at the end of class for final relaxation (Savasana). This is a great time to allow the words to soak in and have significance. You can use a devotion after final relaxation when the class comes to sit and want to read something to complete your time together and further enhance the scriptural theme. 

How to Use a Devotion in Class: 

Select a devotion that is on topic with the scriptural theme you selected. Read the devotion at the appropriate time (before, towards the end, at the end, or for the class closing). Do tell the students what devotion you are using and/or the author if relevant. It may inspire a student to purchase it for themselves.If you feel led, you can share why you chose the devotion or how it speaks to you personally. 

Suggested Devotions: 

These devotions are biblically solid and would be a beautiful resource to add to your teaching curriculum. 

New Morning Mercies

Morning By Morning

Evening By Evening

Every Day in His Presence

Called for a Purpose

My Utmost For His Highest

Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding you Close

Online- Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotions (FREE)

First 5 APP- with Proverbs 31- FREE

(In) Courage Devotions (FREE). 

Write for For Insight:

Do you have a daily devotion that you read? If so, do you read it in addition to your Bible? Let’s acknowledge that devotions should not take the place of reading God’s word but can enhance it. If you do read a devotion, is it Biblically sound? If you haven’t read a devotional, are you ready to add that to your faith walk? Why or Why not?Are you ready to add a devotional to your Christian yoga teaching? Why or Why not?

Into Action:  

If you have a devotional that you are considering using for class, do research using the guidelines above to ensure it is biblically sound.If you do not have a devotional, please select one from the list above.In Lesson 5, we will incorporate devotions into our practice teaching, so be prepared!