HEY MIKE! I’m having trouble starting a daily devotion. Have any ideas on how to do it?
— B.J. , Kansas City, Mo.
First of all, I want you to know you’ve already won the biggest battle — choosing to have devotions at all! Here are some practical steps to take to deepen your relationship with God.
1. Set a time. I prefer mornings, but evenings before bed are okay, too. Start off with about 20 minutes: 15 for reading your Bible, as well as a devotional, and five for prayer.
2. Get a devo guide that holds your attention. Your local Christian bookstore is filled with hundreds of them.
3. Find a quiet place. I’m not talking about a little shrine in your room with a candle, a Bible and a picture of Stacie Orrico. Just some place quiet where you won’t be distracted. (I don’t recommend having devotions in front of the TV, or while doing your homework and talking on the phone to a friend — all at the same time!)
4. Pray. The key is to connect with Christ. Share with Him your hopes, your hurts, your thoughts, your fears . . . basically, just take a few minutes to open yourself to Him. Though God knows everything, talking to Him about this stuff helps us to know it, too. 
