How to Build a Daily Christian Devotional Routine that Sticks

By Gabriella Nicole Vaughns, Creator of the Choose Him Devotional

If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone.

Building a daily Christian devotional routine can feel overwhelming—especially when your life is already full of responsibilities, 

relationships, and spiritual highs and lows. Some mornings, you’re all in with coffee, worship music, and a scripture journal. Other days, you’re rushing out the door thinking, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

But here’s the truth, girl: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up.

And with the right mindset, tools, and grace, your devotional time can become one of the most life-giving parts of your day.

Let’s talk about how to create a daily devotional routine that actually sticks.

A daily devotional isn’t just about reading a Bible verse and moving on with your day. It’s a sacred rhythm—a regular time you set aside to:

• Read God’s Word
  
  

• Reflect on what it means for your life
  
  

• Talk to God in prayer
  
  

• Sit quietly and listen for His voice
  
  

Think of it like a spiritual check-in. A moment to step away from the chaos and step into God’s presence. Some people do this in the morning, others before bed. The “when” matters less than the willingness to show up.

A strong devotional habit helps you grow spiritually, renew your mind, and stay anchored in truth no matter what season you’re in.

Let’s be real: even with the best intentions, staying consistent is tough. Maybe you…

• Feel too busy or distracted
  
  

• Don’t know where to start
  
  

• Fall asleep during your prayer time
  
  

• Feel distant from God
  
  

• Struggle with guilt when you miss a day
  
  

I’ve been there.

But here’s what I’ve learned: the enemy will do whatever he can to keep you from connecting with God, because he knows how powerful that time is. And your flesh will always choose comfort over discipline.

But guess what? You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be present.

Even 10 minutes a day can be a seed that grows into deeper faith, healing, and purpose.

Pick a time of day when you’re least likely to be interrupted.

That might be:

• First thing in the morning before your phone starts buzzing
  
  

• During lunch on your work break
  
  

• At night when the house is finally quiet
  
  

Write it down. Set an alarm. Let your family know. This is your sacred appointment with God. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long Bible study—start with 10–15 minutes and grow from there.

Your space doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be yours.

Think:

• A comfy chair, blanket, and small side table
  
  

• A candle or essential oil diffuser
  
  

• Your Bible, journal, devotional book (like the Choose Him 30-Day Devotional)
  
  

• A pen and maybe your favorite worship playlist in the background
  
  

When your space feels inviting, your spirit will begin to crave that time there.

One reason people give up on their devotional routine is because they try to do too much too soon. They commit to reading four chapters of the Bible daily, journaling 3 pages, and praying for everyone they know… then burn out by day 3.

Instead, start with a small, focused plan:

• One Scripture
  
  

• One reflection question
  
  

• One prayer
  
  

• One journal entry
  
  

This is where the Choose Him Devotional is so helpful—it guides you day by day with intention and grace.

The right tools can take your devotional time from confusing to deeply personal.

Here are some tools I use (and recommend):

• Choose Him Devotional – a 30-day journey to reconnect your heart with Jesus
  
  

• Prayer journal – to track what you’re praying for and how God is moving
  
  

• Faith-based planner – to incorporate spiritual goals and scriptures into your everyday life
  
  

• Bible apps like YouVersion for reading plans and verse of the day
  
  

• Amazon favorites – my highlighters, cozy blankets, mugs, and more (add affiliate links here if desired)
  
  

You don’t need to buy anything fancy—but having resources that inspire you will help you stay motivated.

You will miss a day.

You’ll have dry seasons.

You’ll go through valleys where opening your Bible feels hard.

And that’s okay. Because your relationship with God isn’t based on performance. It’s based on love.

So when you fall off, don’t quit—just come back. Pick up where you left off and let the Holy Spirit meet you there. Even five loaves and two fish are enough when placed in Jesus’ hands. So is five minutes of your time.

Want a peek into my daily quiet time?

• Time: 8:30 AM after I wake up and make coffee
  
  

• Place: My Quiet Time space I created
  
  

• Routine:
  
  

  1. Open the Choose Him Devotional and read the entry for the day

  2. Or open my spiral Bible

  3. Read the anchor Scripture from Choose Him or the Current book of the Bible I am reading and highlight key words

  4. Reflect and journal using the prompts

  5. Do the devotions from pray.com and Youversion

  6. Pray out loud and sit quietly for a few minutes

  7. End with a worship song or just stillness
     
     

On tough days, I might just whisper, “Jesus, I’m here.” And that’s enough. It’s about connection, not perfection.

You don’t have to wait until Monday. Or until your life slows down.

Start tomorrow. Start tonight. Start now.

God isn’t waiting for a polished version of you—He just wants you.

The woman with the messy bun, unanswered texts, laundry piles, and that quiet longing for more.

He sees her.

He loves her.

And He’s ready to meet her every single day.

Start with the Choose Him 30-Day Devotional—a simple, powerful guide to help you reconnect with Jesus every day.

Whether you’re new to faith or coming back home, this devotional will walk with you, not judge you.

Also available as a digital download + journal bundle!

Need help getting started?

Download my free printable devotional routine guide with:

• A sample structure to follow each day
  
  

• Scriptures to meditate on for the week
  
  

• A simple template to help you reflect and pray
  
  

[Download Your Free Guide] – and begin your journey today.