Taking Time Out For God
Taking time out (“devoting time”) for God and for those things that support your relationship with God like prayer, journaling and reflecting is exactly what a Devotional is. And the Faithgirlz! Devotional Collection is designed to guide girls in the praying, journaling and reflecting that are just right for your issues and your life.
Sometimes it can really help to do some extra thinking about what you want this special “time out” to look like. Maybe you are more attentive when it’s quiet or maybe you like the feelings and moods that can come from listening to some meaningful music? Maybe you can’t focus until you are really comfortable both inside and out?
Check out some ideas for organizing your Devotional time and experiences below. Remember there is no right or wrong way- this is your special time. So go on girlz and take time out for God today!
Tip #1: Get Planning
Faithgirlz! live busy, full lives and it can be hard to find the time to eat a good meal let alone time to connect to God every day. Try to block time out just like you might to make your daily phone calls to your friends or to practice your instrument or favorite sport. Routines are a really helpful way to be sure that you have time for the things that are the most important to you. You could even make a special chart or calendar to keep track of the time that you spend thinking about your life and your faith.
Tip #2: Take It Outside
Grab your devotional and head outside for a mini-vacation from all the distractions in your life. There’s nothing like the beauty of the outdoors and the invigorating feeling of fresh air to help us pay attention and get focused on appreciating the many gifts in our lives. Climb a tree for a new perspective or hunker down in your favorite grassy spot. Surround yourself with the wonders of God’s creation and uncover his special plans for you to be a part of it!
Tip #3: Use The Buddy System
You have your best friend with you for all the other big things in your life…why would devotional time be any different? Share your growth and learning with your BFF and enjoy having a companion on your journey as a child of God. It’s so nice to know that you have someone to laugh with, to cry with and to rejoice with as you discover the beauty of believing and the beauty of uncovering and celebrating your true self.
Tip #4: Make Yourself At Home
How about hanging some fabric from a corner in your room or surrounding yourself with your favorite stuffed animals, colors or photographs? Taking the time to create an environment that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed can really help as you do more thinking about yourself and your spirituality. Grab a beanbag and your favorite slippers or focus on that painting that you really love and feel yourself become more at ease and more open to your communication with God.
Tip #5: Be A Cheerleader
Imagine the joy that God feels when you reach out and connect with him. You’ve got a lot to celebrate as a Faithgirl and that is definitely worth a very loud round of applause! Maybe you could take a minute to sticky note encouraging thoughts from your devotionals onto your bedroom wall or bathroom mirror. Or it could be fun to do something special every time you finish one of the Faithgirlz! Devotional books; perhaps filling fortune cookies with meaningful Bible verses and sharing them with others or hanging a heart from a mobile for every devotional you finish. You are doing very important work and should take the time to give some hip-hip-hoorays for the time and commitment you make towards your faith!
Idea #1
Go for a walk outside alone spending time in Gods nature and praying, talking with God, spilling your heart out to him.– Michaela, age 12
Idea #2
Try to start off you devotion by confessing your sins. Then you will be able to talk to God openly without all the sin in middle of you and HIm.– Annie, age 12
Idea #3
It is really fun to be able to talk about what you learned with other girls, but what makes it worth it is being willing to share your heart with them and to be a listening ear for them too!– Sarah, age 13
Idea #4
to pray every day and keep hope.– cat, age 9
Idea #5
when i am sad,mad,or even angery i go & i get my bible & read a chaptor or two & then i pray about it.– alexis, age 13
Idea #6
I like to do mine either on my bed or outside under a tree that gives a lot of shade,and i just watch the insects roam along the ground under the tree, and in my room i like to just be myself.– Kiyla, age 10
Idea #7
I talk to my parent who listens well and gives good advice then i pray to god in my case and i talk to my dad– Mei, age 11
Idea #8
Nothing is better than being left alone in a big closet made out of cardboard with a window a small tabel and one chair! While looking out the window,do your devotions! Don't you think it's cool to not have to worry about snoopy dads,brothers,sisters,or moms sneeking in!– Amanda, age 10
Idea #9
I go outside by myself sit on the sing farthest from our house and pray and listen to God. I also bring my Bible along... I do this when I feel bad or sad 'cause God will always listen.– Hannah , age 12
Idea #10
@ night get cozy in your bed, and foucus on God! (just make sure you don't fall asleep!)– Sadie, age 11
Idea #11
i focus on god no matter what problem ,day or time– jacie, age 11
Idea #12
Whenever I read the bible I feel good.Because I know God is smiling down on me.And he is happy that I am a christan.So think about that whenever you are praying or reading the bible.– Hope, age 9
Idea #13
you could go into your room and could close the door and have a good talk with god– keziah, age 11
Idea #14
What I love to do, a lot of times with my Faithgirlz bible, I love to read the following verses in the Bible in one Year section. That's what really makes my day going strong!!!– Jasmine, age 15
Idea #15
When I feel no one cares and I'm depessed I read the Bible to lift my spirit.– Elizabeth, age 11 almost 12
Idea #16
Just take a break from all of the things in life that distract you, pray, and read God's word. Ask God to come in and be in your life, tell him that you want his will to be done in your life always!! And Dont forget to count your blessings! And thank Jesus for his incredible sacrifice so that we may some day live with him in heaven! :)– Brie, age 13
Idea #17
When I read my devotionals, I like to be away from everything that's bugging me. I try not to think about anything bad while i'm reading. I also keep a "Journey Journal," which is where I think and write about my journey to becoming a responsible young adult.– Alison, age 12
Idea #18
My idea is to pray to God at any time.Even if you are at school, you can still pray to God.You can pray to God about ANYTHING.God hears your prayers.– Joanna, age 9
Idea #19
I always try to red the bible. so what i do is i make a list of the nights i read the bible and nights that i do a devotional and red my bible. i like to do these devotionals: 1. 40 more days with god by Rebbecca st. james 2. the Christian girls guide to your mom. hope you like it!– Kiyla, age 10
Idea #20
I'm gonna read the Bible everyday and when go to chuch I'm gonna get filled with the spirit and pay attention and learn more about my God.– Carlie, age 13
Idea #21
What I do is before I go to sleep or before I get up I read my Devotion and spend tme with God and pray– Kristin, age 12
Idea #22
My idea is to spend time with God at any time, even if it's in the middle of the school day. You can just pray in your head.It really helps me when I need help with something. Even if it's just forgetting a math problem, God will help you with it. Trust me,it works.– Joanna, age 9
Idea #23
My idea is to pick out a time in the day and go outside and just pour out your troubles and things that you are worried about.You will feel God's presence. He will comfort you and give you peace.– Joanna, age 9
Idea #24
I do mine at night when everything is quiet. it helps me think and focus on God.A little tip is: when I read my devotion, I take a tiny sticky note, write what the devotion was about, and then stick it on the page with the bit with the writing sticking out. I do it because one day i'll get angry, or sad, or need something that's in the devotion book, and i can turn straight to it, and it makes me feel HEAPS better!!!– Katya, age 13
Idea #25
When you read your devotional put the date of when you read it. Look up all the verses on that page in your bible. Then highlight them. That way you can always remember when you read your devotional. You can also remember the verses.– Miranda, age 9
Idea #26
Create your own little corner in the middle of the room witha beanie bag or a chair and sit there reading the word and praying.– Hannah, age 12
Idea #27
My idea is to pick out a time in the day, just to spend a little time with God and let Him speak to you. Even if He doesn't say anything, the silence can be soothing because God is there.– Joanna, age 9
Idea #28
you should ask mum and dad to have a girls night sleepover and discuss bible stories and play games to see which bible characther you are most like!– Amanda, age 9
Idea #29
I think it would be a good idea to, have friends sleepover, & just relax & study the bible then talk about it :)– Cali, age 11
Idea #30
pray without ceasing.whenever you go through anything bad and you feel like all hope is lost just pray and remember that God loves you– jayla, age 12
Idea #31
Anywhere I go, ( school, home,public) I talk to Jesus and read his word and devotion everyday and I make sure I get along with my sibings too.– Tamaia, age 11
Idea #32
Wen i feel down and lonely i like 2 go to my room nd close the door and i just start talkin to God and tell him my problems and hope that he can help me through them i pray and just talk to God because i knoe he's always there next to me– Glorimar, age 10
Idea #33
I grab a devotional book, my bible and a few treats, and I have what you would call a " Date with God" day!!!– Melissa, age 13
Idea #34
When you first go to bed reflect on the day. Talk to God like you do your best friend.– Kaitlynn, age 13
Idea #35
have a girls night out with your freinds and tell your thoughts and play games or just chill and read your bible thats always fun!!!!!!!!!!!– sabrina, age 11
Idea #36
I pray every night with my parents I also enjoy writing in my journal– Breanne, age 11
Idea #37
go outside and admire what God created. While you're admiring talk to God and tell him what's going on in your life. :0)– Kaitlyn, age 11
Idea #38
When your really frustrated, vent to God. It might even take a good cry to let it all out. After that, ask God to help you not get so frustrated when that certain event or that someone gets to you. Pray for your enemy and listen for a answer. It might take a while, but the result is sweet.– Livi, age 10
Idea #39
When your really mad at yourself, don't beat yourself up. Remember, when you make an insult to yourself, your really insulting God. After all, God created you.– Livi, age 10
Idea #40
pray to god in a quiet place maybe in your bed at night about your day if it was great or... not so great and if it wasn't great then hopefully the next day it will be better because you prayed. I know this is right because I do it and it works for me and it will work for you.– sarah, age 10 1/2
Idea #41
Run yourself a bubble bath and relax in the bubbles and think about your day and how you could make your next day better by walking in the path of God.– Nicky, age 12
Idea #42
Sometimes I lay in bed at night, and I think about all the nice things God has given me and, I thank him .– Amy, age 12
Idea #43
When I go to bed at night, I pray and let God speak to me.– Joanna, age 9
Idea #44
I like to go to a quiet place to sing songs to the Lord then I read my bible and talk with Him.– Abigail, age 11
Idea #45
i can pray to jesus where ever i am. mostly i pray to him under my duvet covers with a tourchlight and my bible. i feel closer to him and like he is talking to me back.– eniola, age 12
Idea #46
Ask your friends over to sleepover and have a Bible study.You could also pray for each other on the phone.– nicole, age 9
Idea #47
Make a group of people and talk about nice things,(PRAY),read the bible,and do more things about god!– tatyana, age 8
Idea #48
prayer in a special place or a quiet place that you feel comfortable– kiera, age 12
Idea #49
I love to go into my room and turn on Spirt FM. A lot of songs make me want to cry, some make me smile, and some make me pray. I also write in my special Faith Girls jurnol.– Ashten, age 10 1/2
Idea #50
to pray every night , and to stop fighting with my brother,– tori, age 9
Idea #51
At the end of each day I write a diary and say how God has helped me in my day then at the end of each week I grab the Bible and choose a bible passage and put in my diary.– Hazel, age 11
Idea #52
Give yourself some time to just sit down and be quiet. Pray, and just think. Don't read or talk out loud, just sit quietly and pray/think. God will talk to you!– Anna, age 12
Idea #53
You can have a talk with God (pray)!– Leah, age 10
Idea #54
Remember this, God is ALWAYS with you, no matter what, He'll be there helping you.– Michaela , age 11
Idea #55
I always snuggle in at bedtime with my favorite journal and pen my favorite stuffy and my Bible, then I write a prayer to GOD , then write in my journal about my day and then read my Bible then write in my journal again, always from a drfferent perspective!– Aimee, age 11
Idea #56
Sometimes I lock myself in my closet and pray and imagine Jesus' kind eyes like in the Sophie's World series– Taylor, age 10
Idea #57
Have a group talk with God and your BFFs. Read the BIBLE together, sing songs, write down awsome things about what you read and remember have fun!!!– Juliya, age 9
Idea #58
I bring my Faith Girlz bible with me to school and I read it any time I get to.– Kimberly, age 10
Idea #59
When you don't have time or something snuggle up in your bed and take a few minutes to have time with God,you really won't regret it.– sue, age 10
Idea #60
Right before bed time I climb in my bed and get my Bible, pen, and Journal. First I write the date at the top of the page. then I write a little prayer just thanking God for the day etc. Then I write what happened that day and any struggles I had. After that I read my Bible and write down what I read and what I learned. After that I just talk to God like I talk to a friend, say Amen and go to sleep.– Melody, age 12
Idea #61
Parents love God,too. Sit down and pray with them before bed or any other time.– Jolie, age 9
Idea #62
it never hurts to just pour out your hearts desires to God,give it a try!!!;)– keely, age 12
Idea #63
Wake up slightly earlier in the morning and to your QT and then get ready to go to school. When you're back, take a few moments to quieten down your heart and tell God how was school. Before bed, read a devotion and do a last prayer.– Charissa, age 11
Idea #64
Find a niche, and feel GOD beside you, and just pour out your heart's desires to Him.– Joanna, age 12
Idea #65
My mom said that she would get me a beanbag chair to do devotions in.– Hailey, age 10
Idea #66
what i do before i do my school work i do 30 min. of just talking with God but when my day is more busy i get up even earlyer. make your time around God!!!!– Gabrielle, age 13
Idea #67
i usally pray befor be– mandy, age 12
Idea #68
I always have Bible study with my 2little sisters on sunday since we can't go 2 church.– Jeanine, age 9
Idea #69
Read your bible and pray when you get up in the morning.– Tay, age 12
Idea #70
Have a conversation with God like you were talking to your BFF!Get into a place where nothing can distract you. I am NOT saying that you have to go in a storage room.Get comfy and just pour it all out!!!– Abbie, age 10
Idea #71
to go out in a nature walk and pray under a tree with no one aruond you and to go out in the rain and stay there.It really helps me– annabell, age 10
Idea #72
Pray everyday-all the time! God wants you to talk to Him like a friend. Just tell him everything that happened that day, whether it was that A on your test or how much your siblings drive you crazy. He loves hearing from you!– Danielle, age 14
Idea #73
to just take your best friend,and your bible to the park maybe sit under a tree & relax.– Bethany, age 9
Idea #74
my idea is to block out all sounds and listen,talk and pray to GOD when I'm alone!– Elena, age 10
Idea #75
I taped about 20 of my favorite bible versus to my bedroom door. Before I step out of my room every day, I say them out loud. One of the bible verses always reflects on my daily problems. It really helps!– Livi, age 10
Idea #76
be your self every day and dont let anyone talk dowm about you, ever dont let them get under your skin. pray for the person everyday also– meagan simmons, age 11
Idea #77
Every morning before I step out of bed- I say "God, I'm at your service." It really helps your day.– Livi, age 10
Idea #78
i write to god in my journal. everything makes sense when you write it all down!– chantel, age 13
Idea #79
My idea is to love my little sister and pray every day and night.– Hailey , age 10
Idea #80
I am home schooled and with my brother and sisters nearly all the time. I like to lock my self in my room, turn on some music and start. I like to be alone when I do it and really open up and talk to God like he is my bestes best friend– Stephanie, age 11
Idea #81
i think that girls can spend time with god is by inviting friends over to church or read devotions at sleeping partys– rosa, age 11
Idea #82
Every night (or nearly every night, whenever it's before 11:00 pm) when I write in my diary, I write something good about God and a verse from the Bible.– Carmen, age 11
Idea #83
I think someone that believes in God should really mean it and how they should mean it is that they should pray everyday and not just make someone else your idol.God is your idol not Hilary duff or the jonas brothers. Even though i like the jonas brothers i also find something else to do sometimes!– cheryl, age 10
Idea #84
Turn on the radio and put your favofive cds play the and relexe– Dianne, age 10
Idea #85
I have abible and if I am stressed out I would read it. If you usually have nightmares, read the bible stories before bed.– Julia-Lorena, age 11
Idea #86
Read your bible and pray, if you forget to do that, just ask god to help you remember to.It works for me.God can do anything.– josephine, age 13
Idea #87
be your self and don't let people judge your self on what you look like orwhat you do or what kind of food you like– taylor, age 9
Idea #88
my idea is to pray every morning and every night.– haley, age 8
Idea #89
God is our best friend and he will always be there for you & me! He talks to us a tells us the right things to do and you should listen...– Bella, age 12
Idea #90
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.Let God lead your life and everything will be better.– Chloe, age 9
Idea #91
I try to do devotional i got from a thing called 5 Day Club. I also have a sunday school lesson i do every night before church. My family and i read the bible sfter supper.:)– Ray Ray, age 12
Idea #92
take your things with you to do in the car– Emily, age 11
Idea #93
Always put faith first and then it will be okay. If you put school, friends, you-time or anything else first you won't be as succesful in your walk with God– Faithfirst, age 12
Idea #94
i always say in my my head i love u and thank him for every thing i have even if im in a hurry and then i feel a lot better– kenzie, age 9
Idea #95
i have a devotional and sometimes, if i'm bored, I read it and fill it out.– Crystal, age 12
Idea #96
We need to spend time with God all the time. He made us and we need to give him praise and learn more about him.– issi, age 12
Idea #97
Get a prayer diary! Just an ordinary notebook (or a diary if you want to do it every day) and write to God, it's great!– Bethan, age 12
Idea #98
Also if you don't have time you can just think to God in your head. You don't have to talk out loud or pray, just thinking to him makes it more open between yourself and God.– rose, age 12
Idea #99
I love spending time outside alone just talking with God. I mean it's not like you have to kneel every time you pray and you don't even have to close your eyes. Just take a quiet walk through the forest and talk out loud to god. This really strengthens your relationship with God and teaches you to be quiet and listen for what God has to say. Prayer isn't just telling God stuff its also listening for him to tell you stuff. I love FaithGirlz!– Melody, age 12
Idea #100
My favourite Sophie Book is #12 because God's gift to me, I love babies.– Hailey, age 10
Idea #101
Instead of using a devotional me and my friend are reading through the book of Proverbs. After Proverbs we will read Ruth and then Matthew. I like reading through the Bible, but I still would like a Faithgilz! devotional for Christmas (keep the Christ in Christmas!)– Faithgirlz 3,000, age 10
Idea #102
Read your devotion or Bible in the morning (unless your doing the buddy system) so that the word of God or Christan writers can apply to your life throughout the day.– Faithgirlzfan 3,000, age 10
Idea #103
I love Sophie books and I love reading about the stories.– Hailey, age 10
Idea #104
I like to go outside and do my devotion. sometimes i climb a tree and do it.– christina, age 11
Idea #105
I think your books are AWESOME Sophie - they're so cool you could sit in a quiet place and read and think!!!!– Ellie, age 10
Idea #106
I don't get to read my devotions much but whenever I have spare time, I always love to read them outside where it's sunny and I feel open to GOD. Thankyou bye– Laura, age 10
Idea #107
There are more ways to spend time with God than just go to church, pray, read, and in writing. We can spend time with him simply by pouring out our feelings to him in a song or writing a story of how much you love God and all the risks that you would take to see him. It's always great to remember that God is always there and we can talk to him however and whenever we feel.– Liana, age 11
Idea #108
I have always had fun riding my bike and talking to God out loud. It's like i know what he is saying and i can tell him all my thoughts withought worrying about someone looking in my journal or something. I feel so free.– Liana, age 11
Idea #109
I love Sophie alot. I am so lucky to have the same name as her. Until now I have 10 books of her. I love you, Sophie!!!!!!!! please make the books more interesting. bye!!!– sophie, age 12
Idea #110
I like 2 grab a snack before I go to read my devotions. That way I don't have an excuse 2 get up and get a snack. I can eat it in my room.– Alexandra , age 13
Idea #111
I love being out in God's creation while I'm reading His word, but I need privacy. My relationship with God is not based on other people, it's based on just God and me, helping other people out. Most times I shut myself in my room, though.– Olivia, age 13
Idea #112
When I do my devos I snuggle up in my bed and surround myself with soft pillows– Trisha, age 11
Idea #113
I have not done devos much. But once I'm not so busy and can do devos on a regular basis I think I would like to do them outside in the woods or [this might sound weird] sit in a tree.:-)– Jerrielle, age 11
Idea #114
My mom does bible study, so i go into her room with her and do mine there sometimes. Other times, I go into the guest room (don't know why, I guess there is a big enough desk for me to spread my stuff out) and do it there. Now, I may start going outside in the front yard and do it while my dad and brother play catch(:– Madisen , age 12
Idea #115
When you're doing your devotion it's a good idea to have pray right before you read, asking God to teach you something.– Eleanor, age 10
Idea #116
i like to read my Bible when it's sunny and warm and i can open my windows and then i get on my bed pull my canopy all the way to the end of the bed and read away!– monica, age 10
Idea #117
I like to go into my room and sometimes listen to Barlowgirl while I'm doing my Bible study.– Brenna, age 12
Idea #118
Make sure you have everything you need so you don't get distracted by going to get the material.– Morgan, age 13
Idea #119
I like to shut myself in my room so that i don't get distracted.– Debbie, age 12
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