Sometimes it is easier to listen than to sit down and read.
An audio Christian devotion can give you a few minutes to hear encouraging words along with Scripture, think about what they mean to you, and pray.
Why listen to an audio devotion?
Audio can fit into the little parts of your day. You can listen during a commute, while taking a walk, or while doing something around the house.
It can also help when you feel mentally tired. Instead of trying to focus on a page, you can listen to someone read Scripture and share a short reflection.
You may hear something differently when it is spoken aloud.
A sentence may stand out. A Bible passage you have read before may catch your attention in a new way.
And Scripture has a long history of being heard aloud. Early Christians listened as letters were read to churches, including letters from the Apostle Paul.
Listening to Scripture is not a new idea.
Choose something that keeps Scripture at the center
There are many Christian podcasts, devotionals, sermons, and audio Bible resources available.
Choose something that you will feel happy to listen to every day and that helps you think about how it applies to your life.
Does it give you something useful to think or pray about?
Try an audio plan on the Bible App
The YouVersion Bible App includes Bible reading plans and devotional plans that can be read or, in some cases, listened to.
One example is From Sea to Shining Sea: Hope for Your Journey, a 7-day Bible App plan with audio narration read by the author. The plan takes readers on a “journey” through seven states, from Maine to Hawaii, and connects real travel experiences with Scripture and reflections on hope.
One day, for example, looks at renewal after the 1988 Yellowstone fires. Another reflects on strength through a covered bridge in Vermont. The plan gives you something you can either read or listen to during the day.
Find a time that works for you
Pick a time that already exists in your day.
Try doing it at roughly the same time for a few days. That can help turn it into a habit.
And if you miss a day, come back the next day and don’t feel bad about it.
Pause after you listen
Try not to move immediately to the next podcast, song, or notification.
Pause for a minute or longer.
What stood out?
Was there something you need to pray about?
Did the devotion bring someone to mind?
You can turn one thought into a simple prayer.
You might also write down one sentence on your phone so you remember it later.
Listen actively
An audio devotion can easily become background noise.
Listen for one idea you can carry into your day.
Maybe you hear something about forgiveness and realize you need to contact someone. Maybe the devotion is about compassion and reminds you of a person who needs help. Maybe it is about hope and gives you something to hold onto during a difficult week.
Let what you hear affect what you do.
Think about what you heard.
Pray.
Let your mind slow down.
Choose one audio Christian devotion and try it for a few days.
Then see whether it’s something that brings you closer to God and that you also enjoy.