9 Tips to Keep Devotional Reading from Becoming an Exam

Those of us in Christian academia (whether students or professors) find ourselves in the awkward position of devoting ourselves to the academic study of the Bible. This sort of study thrives on deadlines and technical details. However, we are also disciples of Christ for whom the Bible is a source of spiritual formation and nourishment. While these two approaches to the Bible can fit well together, they often feel at odds—or in competition.¹ And far too often, academic pursuits squeeze devotional Bible reading out of our lives.

Below are nine suggestions on how to intentionally develop a healthy balance of devotional Bible reading while in academia.

1. Remember, academic and devotional reading should overlap

When we separate the academic and devotional sides of our lives, we create a false dichotomy that can be harmful to our spiritual formation.

I used to think devotional time had to look and follow a certain method, a method which had no overlap with my academic study of the Bible. But then I overheard a professor discussing his devotional habits with a student. He explained that he incorporated his knowledge of the biblical languages into how he approached his devotional reading of Scripture. That concept of combining academic and devotional Bible reading was revolutionary for me.

Though my intended purpose for each is different, my devotional and academic Bible reading now constantly overlap. There are times when I’m reading the Bible for devotional purposes, and the reading propels thoughts that lead to academic research and writing. And there are times when I’m researching and writing about a technical aspect of the Bible, and what I learn propels me into sitting with the devotional implications of the text.

I encourage you to lean into the natural overlap between the two. As you study the Bible academically, consider how what you are learning develops or deepens how you love God. And as you read devotionally, use your academic skills to help you observe and ask questions about the text.

2. Beware of academic pressures

When academic pressures lead to faltering devotions, reevaluate your priorities.

Academics, especially those in biblical studies, can fall prey to a strange dynamic where we spend large lengths of time in the details of the Bible, yet fail to see beyond the words on the page to the Author of the text. The pressure to study the Bible, to find an answer to the professor’s question, to prepare for a test, to pass a class, to meet a deadline—these academic pressures can distract us from the very thing that prompted us to study the Bible in the first place.

Studying the biblical text can give us the false impression that our relationship with God is stable and growing. But academic grades, degrees, and accomplishments are not the same as spiritual growth, though they can contribute to it. For those of us who study the Bible academically, we need to regularly stop and reevaluate how (and if) our academic responsibilities are helping—or hurting—our devotion to God: e.g., Are we taking on too much? Are we desiring academic success more than we desire God?

3. Be flexible

Academic life involves changing schedules. One semester, you might have early morning classes. Next semester, they might be in the afternoon. For people who thrive on variation and change, the vicissitudes of semester schedules can be welcome. For others, the changes can be detrimental to their devotions.

There is no easy solution when required schedules conflict with your intended devotional time. When they do, begin by giving yourself grace.

God does not require a set devotional schedule, but he does desire your love.

Maybe the new schedule is an opportunity to try something different with your devotions. Maybe the difficult schedule is only for a short season. Or maybe it’s an invitation to make changes in your life. As you consider these possibilities, remember that God does not require a set devotional schedule, but he does desire your love.

4. Resist the sense of obligation

God desires us to be intentional in our relationship with him, to desire more of him (1 Pet 2:2–3). But when intentionality gets twisted into a sense of obligation, something has gone wrong.

When devotions become forced, give yourself permission to reject the sense of obligation. Allow yourself to reflect on where it is coming from. Ask yourself: Why does spending time with God feel oppressive instead of freeing? Perhaps you’re carrying a perception of devotions that needs to be altered or rejected.

5. Hold expectations loosely

Some days, you will be too tired or overwhelmed to even think about devotional time. Know that God is with you in these moments.

Perhaps you expected your day to go differently—a day of joyfully spending time reading Scripture and praying. But sometimes, we cannot meet our own expectations. In these moments, perhaps the healthiest thing you can do is reject your expectations for what devotions ought to look like. Instead, simply sit in silence with God, who is with you in the midst of your exhaustion. Let him sit with you. God loves his people and desires his people to love him. He isn’t keeping score of how successful your devotions are.

Later, once you are less tired and overwhelmed, take time to consider whether your exhaustion was an indicator that some areas of your life need reevaluation, or just a temporary season when your walk with God was forced to look different.

6. Adjust your plans as needed

When you fall behind on your devotional plan, change the plan—not your devotion.

Devotional plans and books can be amazing tools that help us grow closer to God. But they are, ultimately, man-made plans. God does not call us to devotional plans. He calls us to himself.

If you find a plan or book that you want to try, go for it! But if you get behind, give yourself grace. Adapt the plan or change to a new plan. Sometimes life happens, and we fail to do what we had intended. You can choose to adapt the plan by simply picking up where you left off. Or if you have the time and ability, you can catch up. You have options. Some crave change and will always hop between plans rather than finish one. That’s fine, too.

Keep your devotions on track.
Explore creating reading plans in Logos!

7. Address distractions

When you get distracted during your devotions, accept the distractions for what they are. Some cannot be “solved.” Susanna Wesley (mother of John and Charles Wesley) famously threw her apron over her head in a crowded kitchen in order to pray. Most of us need more than an apron to remove our distractions. And that’s valid.

Some distractions are simply unavoidable (e.g., children’s needs). In some cases, a source of distraction can be incorporated into your devotions, such as involving children by having them read a passage aloud. But often that is not the case. In these situations, reach out to others in your community for support and solutions.

Other distractions are avoidable (e.g., social media, email, etc.). Acknowledge and identify how they are distracting to you. Be intentional about removing them. Perhaps you need to block certain apps or silence notifications during a specific time period. Spiritual formation does not happen accidentally but with intentionality as we seek to love God. Choosing to remove distractions for a dedicated devotional time is one way that we can love God well.

8. Consider your specific needs

As you decide how to schedule devotional time, consider your needs, both physical and mental.

What can you reasonably commit to at this point in your life? Ten minutes? An hour? There is no time requirement. The goal is to love God more. Sometimes spending five minutes meditating on one verse is more beneficial than spending an hour diagramming Greek sentences—sometimes the reverse is true.

What is the best time of day for you? Morning? Night? Lunchtime? God does not require Christians to have a devotional time in the morning. Some people’s minds are more engaged later in the day.

9. Know who you are

Let your devotional practice reflect how God made you.

Do you prefer to meditate on a passage or dig into its complex details? Do you gravitate toward simple, reflective devotionals, or toward denser resources that wrestle with theological nuances? Neither is more spiritual than the other. It’s okay to be drawn to different methods. The goal isn’t to operate like everyone else but to love God with the mind he gave you. (That said, it’s also worthwhile to explore approaches and topics outside your natural inclinations occasionally.)

Some benefit from a consistent method. Others benefit from alternating their practice. Regardless, everyone can benefit from occasionally trying new methods and resources, especially when they are from outside your tradition or completely new to you. Some options you might consider include lectio divina, journaling, the Daily Office (from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer), devotional books from different cultures (e.g., women of color, African American), or a Hebrew or Greek devotional book.

Conclusion

Always remember that devotional Bible reading is simply a way for us to live out our devotion to God. It can (and should) overlap with our academic Bible study. But it is also something that requires intentionality that is different from mere academic study.

Share your thoughts

How can one maintain rich devotions as a student or scholar? Join us in the Word by Word group to share your thoughts.

Hoyt’s suggestions for devotional reading

Additional content

• What Is Spiritual Formation—and Why Does It Matter?
• 3 Misguided Narratives About Success in Seminary
• Ascending the Ladder: A Guide to the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina
• What Does It Mean to “Apply” the Bible?
• The Surprising Benefits of Prayer Books & How to Use Them

1. Some of the challenges we face toward devotional reading are unique to our situation, but others are actually common problems we share with those outside the academic context.