This outline is recommended for disciples who have established a habit of daily devotions and want to go deeper. For morning devotions, complete the entire outline. For evening devotions, complete the parts with an asterisk (*).
*GLORIA PATRI. Sing or say the Gloria Patri.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION. Confess any sinful thoughts, words, or deeds to God. See “Prayers of Confession and Sanctification.” Once a week (e.g., on Fridays), review the Ten Commandments or Questions for Self-Examination before confession.
*CREED. Say the Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed. Say the Athanasian Creed on Christmas Day, the Epiphany, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday.
CATECHISM. Choose a question or set of questions from the Catechism, and work on memorizing the answer(s).
HYMN AND/OR METRICAL PSALM. Sing a hymn or metrical psalm. See “Hymns for Memorization.”
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION. Ask for God’s help before reading his Word. See “Prayers for Illumination.”
SCRIPTURE READING. Complete one day in a Bible reading plan. Engage with and meditate on the text.
*PSALM AND/OR GOSPEL. Read a Psalm and/or portion of the Gospels.
PRAYER. With your Bible still open, allow today’s Scripture to direct your prayers. Remember your family, church, and world. On Wednesdays and/or Fridays, consider praying the Litany or General Supplication.
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- Heavenly Father, I praise you because…
- I confess that…
- I thank you for…
- I ask you to…
*LORD’S PRAYER. Say the Lord’s Prayer.
SPECIAL READING. Read a portion of a spiritual classic.
DOXOLOGY. Sing or say,
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.