What is a Devotional?

A devotional is a daily religious practice which is dedicated to connecting with the divine, or expressing gratitude and appreciation for the spiritual guidance received. Devotionals can include but not limited to Christian liturgies, Catholic novenas, Protestant sermons, and Eastern or Western meditative practices. It is a type of prayer or meditation that is used primarily to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and to express love and devotion to a higher power.

The Benefits of a Devotional Practice

Participating in a daily devotional can be a powerful and life-affirming tool to help foster spiritual growth and self-awareness. This type of practice helps ground us in the present moment and furthers our ability to be more mindful. Devotionals are an aid in deepening our relationship with something greater than ourselves and can be a source of comfort and inspiration. They offer us the opportunity to express our thoughts and feelings to the divine, to reflect upon what is meaningful, and to be present with our spiritual self. Additionally, cultivating a devotional practice can also be beneficial for our mental and physical health.

Types of Devotionals

Devotionals come in many forms and can include many different types of ritual practices. For example, Jewish meditation or Kabbalah utilizes a book called the Zohar as a way to explore sacred stories and connect with the divine. There are also many Christian devotionals, such as Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, which are often done with a prescribed series of prayers and readings from the Bible. Additionally, Islamic devotional practice known as Salah involves ritual cleansing, prayer, and recitation of the Qur’an. For those of a more meditative approach, chanting mantras or repeating verses of Scripture can serve as a devotional practice.

Regardless of one’s spiritual practice or religious tradition, incorporating a devotional into their daily practice can be a powerful source of spiritual nourishment and growth. The daily practice of devotion provides us with the opportunity to be present with our spiritual self, to deepen our connection with the divine, and to express our gratitude and appreciation.