Writing devotionals can feel intimidating. How do you write something short yet powerful? How do you make sure your words actually minister to someone?

Here is a practical format to help make devotional writing simpler and more effective:

1. Start with a relatable question or moment. Think about something real—something you’ve faced or wondered. People connect with what’s honest. You don’t need to create drama. Even small moments—spilled coffee, a missed call, a quiet prayer—can hold deep meaning.
2. Use Scripture meaningfully. Pick one verse. Don’t overload the reader. Let the verse be the anchor and focus of your reflection. Spend time in that verse before you write. Meditate on it. Ask God what He wants to reveal through it.
3. Share a personal insight. What has God taught you through this? Share the lesson in a conversational tone. Don’t preach—invite. Your story may be the bridge that connects the reader to God’s truth.
4. Offer a clear takeaway. What should the reader remember? A prayer, a challenge, a sentence they can hold onto? Repeat your main idea. End with something they can act on—or simply something they can carry with them.

Most importantly: pray before you write. Ask God to give you the right words. When your writing starts in prayer, it carries a depth that no technique can match.

Your writing doesn’t need to be long to make an impact. What matters is clarity, sincerity, and truth. One paragraph, when rooted in God’s truth, can change a life.

**This is based on the workshop “Filling your blank page: Paano makabuo ng creative ideas para sa iyong articles” presented by Marlene Legaspi-Munar in Tagalog. You can watch the full workshop on-demand for free.**