There isn't one set way to do devotional times. Tailoring your devotions to your interests can help you stay engaged with learning and stick with the practice for years to come. It's important to explore various study methods and find one that suits you.
To help you get started, we've created a list of four fun devotional ideas used by residents in assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella.
Music is a good complement to devotional times. It can soothe frazzled emotions and thoughts, making it easier to focus and study. However, it's also a powerful teaching tool.
Setting Bible verses to music makes it easier to memorize and recall them. For this reason, many artists have started projects putting the Scriptures into song. While these albums are often aimed at children, a lot of resources for adults are available online as well.
In addition to memorizing the Bible through song, you can also study your songs and favorite hymns. Instead of simply repeating the lyrics, spend time considering the meaning behind each song. This meditative practice can help make both your study and worship times more impactful.
Music has vast potential for hands-on application. You can learn how to play an instrument so you can play your favorite hymns instead of only listening to them. You can also teach music to youth in your family or lead sing-alongs in your senior living community.
Art classes are popular activities in assisted living communities. With Bible art journaling, you can put your lessons to work on the pages of your Bible. The process lets you merge creativity with learning.
The idea is that the art itself and the time you spend creating it will help you focus on specific verses and what they mean to you. It can be a powerful way to internalize the promises in the Bible and connect with them personally.
The goal isn't to create flawless works of art but rather to express yourself as you study. You could highlight key passages with illustrations based on the scene or concept — for example, sketching the empty tomb next to Matthew 28 or painting a heart over a verse depicting God's love for you.
Another popular choice is to write verses in stylish fonts or calligraphy on the pages they're found on for added emphasis. The potential avenues for art itself are nearly limitless. A simple internet search will yield hundreds of blog entries and Pinterest boards filled with ideas to help you get started.
There are also many creative alternatives to drawing, such as stamps, stickers and stencils. If you enjoy scrapbooking, you might like creating a Bible filled with photos and pictures that tell the story of your walk of faith over the years.
Playing while studying may seem illogical, but games can help improve engagement and interest. For example, crossword websites and word game apps are just a few online resources you can use when testing your memory of names, locations and important facts in Scripture.
You may also enjoy creating your own games to add a more personal feel to your studies, such as:
Games also serve as good conversation starters when sharing your faith with visiting family and friends. By involving others, you can discuss insights into the related verses and topics with them. Study partners also offer accountability, which can help encourage you to stick with your daily devotions.
"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." — Romans 1:20 NLT
If studying feels dry or boring to you, learning more about God's limitless power and creativity may spark your interest. There are many magazines and online resources, such as Creation Ministries International, geared toward exploring science and creation and using it to fuel our understanding of God.
If you'd like to take your studies further, you may enjoy taking a hands-on approach. For example, after studying the metamorphosis of butterflies, plant a butterfly garden or purchase a butterfly kit and watch the process unfold for yourself.
Your scientific explorations can also be a great way to share your legacy of faith with your family. Invite your grandchildren to join you as you conduct science experiments or go on nature walks and share with them what you've been learning.
