Rethinking Devotion: Finding God in Daily Rituals

Hi, friends! I have been thinking quite a bit about doing a morning devotion. I regularly see content on my feed of people waking up at 4 and 5 am to read scripture and pray. If you follow me on social media, then you probably saw a post of me asking for devotional recommendations. This is because I have felt convicted and pressured to do some sort of devotion. After all, these actions make me a better Christian and an overall better person. Consequently, the topic of this blog post came to me. Is there a "right way" to do devotion?

When most of us think of devotion, we often picture what I previously mentioned. While these traditional practices are powerful, devotion is not limited to structured religious activities such as praying or reading the Bible. Our daily rituals—brushing our teeth while listening to a song that lifts our spirit, spraying our favorite perfume as a reminder of our presence in the world, or savoring the first sip of coffee in gratitude—can be acts of worship. These small, intentional moments ground us, centering our hearts and minds on the sacredness woven into our everyday lives.

Rituals provide rhythm to our lives, offering consistency in a world that often feels chaotic. When we approach them with mindfulness, they transform from mundane habits into sacred practices. Choosing a song that inspires joy, lighting a candle before beginning the day, or simply taking a deep breath with intention can become acts of devotion. The way we live, care for ourselves, and move through the world reflects our relationship with our Creator. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Worship is not confined to the walls of a church; it is embedded in how we honor our bodies, minds, and spirits each day.

For example, every morning I send a Snapchat streak to my baby sister, my cousin who lives in Chicago and my next-door neighbor turned bestie. I also do my daily Duolingo lesson and check in with my virtual bird via the Finch app. While not directly religious in nature, these actions center me as I prepare for the uncertainty of the day ahead.

By redefining devotion, we allow ourselves to experience God's presence in the most ordinary of moments. We begin to see that devotion is not about rigid routines but about cultivating a life of intention, gratitude, and connection. Whether it’s through music, movement, scent, or stillness, our rituals can be reminders of God’s love and the sacredness of our existence. How will you turn your morning routine into an act of devotion today?