Posted on May 7, 2014

Idea #3: Devotionals Inspired by the Bible

Posted on May 7, 2014 by .BIBLE Registry Categories: Examples

Many volumes of Christian devotionals have been written and published by authors who have been inspired by the Bible to share inspirational thoughts to encourage the spiritual lives of its readers. The Encyclopedia of Christian Literature, Volume 2 (edited by George Thomas Kurian, James D. Smith III) described this genre of devotional literature in this manner:

After the Bible, Christian devotional literature has provided the most popular and instructive kind of reading and guidance for believers. Most broadly considered, Christian devotional literature may be thought to encompass any inscribed verbal artifact employed to stimulate the production, sustenance, and direction of the unique interior Christian self, whether solely in relation to the divine or including also service to fellow believers, neighbor, and/or world.

Considered most narrowly, devotional literature would be limited to large flexible body of classics rooted directly in the Bible, mostly commonly authored by identifiable individuals (male, historically speaking) with a church commitment, that have either stood the test of time and/or have attained widespread popularity. Even the most cursory history of Christian devotional literature would necessarily encompass the entire range of practical Christian spirituality and discipline.

Some of the most popular Christian devotionals are:

  • The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
  • My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
  • Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon
  • Streams in the Desert by Lettie B. Cowman
  • Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon
  • The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren
  • Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
  • Our Daily Bread (by RBC Ministries)

For Catholic believers, daily devotions are also a valuable part of one’s spiritual life, as explained by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ answer to the question, What is the relationship between popular devotions and the Bible?

As the Bible stands at the core of what God has revealed to the Church, sound popular devotions should naturally be strongly imbued with biblical themes, language, and imagery. Pope Paul VI explained, “Today it is recognized as a general need of Christian piety that every form of worship should have a biblical imprint.”

This book is a particularly valuable devotional for Catholics, Through the Year with Pope Francis: Daily Reflections.

As the Internet becomes more widely available than printed matter, more devotionals will take on a digital format. The big list of devotionals by Christian authors and pastors compiled by Crosswalk.com is an indicator of large volumes of Christian devotional content being digitally published.

And what could devotionals look like in the near future? The online devotional at d365.org provides a uniquely spiritual experience designed for the Internet. This may well be a look into the future of how Bible-inspired content can be presented for online engagement.

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This article is part of the blog series, 66 Ideas for .BIBLE Domain Names, with practical ideas for using .BIBLE domain names. Individuals and organizations can now register .BIBLE domain names that are more shareable, memorable, and meaningful at any accredited registrar.