How to do daily devotions, practical advice

Many people see Christian life as a long list of do's and don'ts. They have not yet discovered that spending time with God is a privilege that we must do and not a task or obligation that we must do.

Getting started with daily devotions requires only a little planning. There is no fixed standard of what your devotional time should be, so relax and take a deep breath. You have this!

These steps will help you put together a personalized daily devotional plan that's right for you. Within 21 days - the time it takes to get used to it - you will be well on your way to exciting new adventures with God.

How to do devotions in 10 steps
Decide on a timetable. If you see your time spent with God as an appointment to keep on your daily calendar, you will be less likely to skip it. Even if there is no right or wrong time of day, doing devotions first thing in the morning is the best time to avoid interruptions. We rarely receive a phone call or an unexpected visitor at six in the morning. Whichever time you choose, let it be the best time for you. Maybe a lunch break fits your schedule better or before going to bed every night.
Decide on a place. Finding the right place is the key to your success. If you try to spend quality time with God lying in bed with the lights off, failure is inevitable. Create a specific place for your daily devotions. Choose a comfortable chair with good reading light. Next to it, keep a basket full of all your devotional tools: Bible, pen, diary, devotional book and reading plan. When you come to do devotions, everything will be ready for you.
Decide on a time frame. There is no standard time frame for personal devotions. You decide how long you can realistically commit to each day. Start with 15 minutes. This time it may stretch longer as you learn about it. Some people can commit for 30 minutes, others an hour or more a day. Start with a realistic goal. If you aim too high, failure quickly discourages you.
Decide on a general structure. Think about how you want to structure your devotions and how much time you will spend on each part of your plan. Consider this an outline or agenda for your meeting, so don't wander aimlessly and end up getting nothing. The next four steps concern some typical activities.
Choose a Bible reading plan or Bible study. Choosing a Bible reading plan or study guide will help you have a more targeted time of reading and studying. If you pick up the Bible and start reading randomly every day, you may find it difficult to understand or apply what you've read in your daily life.
Spend time in prayer. Prayer is simply two-way communication with God. Talk to him, talk to him about your struggles and concerns, then listen to his voice. Some Christians forget that prayer includes listening. Give God time to speak to you in his still low voice (1 Kings 19:12 NKJV). One of the loudest ways God talks to us is through his Word. Spend time meditating on what you read and let God speak in your life.

Spending time in adoration. God created us to praise him. First Peter 2: 9 says: "But you are an chosen people ... belonging to God, so that you can declare the praises of him who called you from darkness in his wonderful light" (NIV). You can silent praise or declare it out loud. You may want to include a cult song in your devotional time.
Consider writing in a journal. Many Christians find that journaling helps them stay on track during their devotional time. The diary of your thoughts and prayers provides a valuable record. Later you will be encouraged when you go back and notice the progress you have made or see the evidence of the prayers answered. Journaling is not for everyone. Try it and see if it's right for you. Some Christians go through journaling seasons as their relationship with God changes and develops. If journaling isn't right for you now, try again in the future.
Engage in your daily devotional plan. Keeping your commitment is the hardest part to get started. Determine in your heart to follow the route, even when you fail or lose a day. Don't hit yourself when you're wrong. Pray and ask God to help you, so be sure to start again the next day. The rewards that you will experience as you become deeper in love with God will be worthwhile.

Be flexible with your plan. If you get stuck in a rut, try going back to step 1. Maybe your plan no longer works for you. Change until you find the perfect size.
Suggestions
Consider using First15 or Daily Audio Bible, two excellent tools to get started.
Do devotions for 21 days. At that point it will become a habit.
Ask God to give you the desire and discipline to spend time with him every day.
Do not give up. Eventually, you will discover the blessings of your obedience.
You will need
Bible
Pen or pencil
Notebook or diary
Bible reading plan
Bible study or study aid
Quiet place