Direct answer: Use The Pursuit of God as a daily devotional by following a repeatable rhythm: read a short section, read a related Scripture, write one reflection, pray honestly, and choose one action for the day. A 10-day plan covers one chapter each day; a 30-day plan allows three days for every chapter.
A Pursuit of God daily devotional study guide can help readers slow down and give focused attention to God. The book is brief enough to read quickly, but its themes—spiritual hunger, surrender, faith, worship, God’s presence, and obedience—are better absorbed through reflection and prayer.
A devotional plan is different from simply reading several pages. Devotional reading asks, “How does this truth lead me to seek God and live differently today?”
A simple 15-minute daily rhythm
Readers with more time can extend the Scripture, journaling, and prayer portions. The value is not found in a precise number of minutes but in consistent attention and honest response.
The five-part daily devotional method
1. Read
Read slowly enough to notice one central truth. Mark no more than two or three sentences so that the entire page does not become highlighted.
2. Receive
Ask what the lesson reveals about God. Christian devotion begins with who God is, not merely with what you must do.
3. Reflect
Ask how the message exposes your desires, fears, habits, distractions, or resistance. Be specific rather than general.
4. Respond
Turn the lesson into prayer. Praise God, confess sin, give thanks, ask for help, and surrender the area being addressed.
5. Repeat through action
Carry one sentence or Scripture into the day and practice one response. Revisit it later instead of forgetting the lesson as soon as the devotional ends.
A 10-day devotional plan
This plan uses one chapter per day. It is best for readers who want a focused introduction or who have already read the book.
| Day | Primary focus | Related Scripture | Daily response |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desiring God | Psalm 63:1–8 | Remove one distraction during prayer. |
| 2 | Surrender and possession | Matthew 6:19–33 | Name one thing you hold too tightly. |
| 3 | Barriers to fellowship | Hebrews 10:19–22 | Confess a barrier honestly to God. |
| 4 | Knowing God personally | John 17:1–5 | Write what it means to know God. |
| 5 | God’s presence | Psalm 139:1–12 | Pause three times to acknowledge God. |
| 6 | Listening to God’s Word | 2 Timothy 3:14–17 | Obey one clear biblical instruction. |
| 7 | Faith and attention | Hebrews 12:1–3 | Redirect one anxious thought toward Christ. |
| 8 | God as Creator and Lord | Romans 11:33–36 | Offer one area of control to God. |
| 9 | Meekness and rest | Matthew 11:28–30 | Release one burden in prayer. |
| 10 | Worship in ordinary life | Colossians 3:17 | Perform one normal task as service to Christ. |
A 30-day devotional plan
A 30-day plan gives three days to each chapter:
- Day A—Understand: read the chapter and write its main message.
- Day B—Examine Scripture: study one or two related passages and identify what they reveal about God.
- Day C—Apply: answer personal questions, pray, and complete one action.
This slower plan is especially useful for readers who want to journal, memorize Scripture, or discuss the lesson with another person.
Morning and evening options
Morning devotional
Use the study to establish the day’s direction. Choose a Scripture or sentence to carry into your work, relationships, and decisions.
Evening devotional
Review the day before God. Ask where you noticed His help, where you resisted the lesson, what requires confession, and what you want to practice tomorrow.
Split devotional
Read and pray in the morning, then return to the application for five minutes in the evening. This helps connect study with actual daily life.
Daily journal prompts
Write one response to each prompt
- Today I learned that God is…
- The sentence that challenged me was…
- The Scripture I want to remember is…
- I need to confess or surrender…
- Today I will respond by…
- The person I can encourage is…
How to keep a devotional from becoming routine
Routine is helpful when it creates consistency, but harmful when the reader simply checks a box. Change the pace when needed. Read aloud, pray while walking, write out a Scripture, discuss the lesson with a spouse, or spend the application time serving someone.
Also avoid measuring spiritual growth only by emotion. Some days may feel deeply moving; other days may seem ordinary. Faithfulness often develops through quiet, repeated obedience.
Connect the devotional to abiding in Christ
John 15 teaches that spiritual fruit comes from remaining in Christ. The daily devotional is not a method for earning God’s favor. It is a practice of receiving His Word, depending on Christ, continuing in His love, and allowing truth to shape obedience.
Try this tomorrow
Set aside 15 minutes. Read Psalm 63:1–8 and a short section from the book. Write one sentence beginning, “God, I desire You more than….” Finish by identifying one distraction you will remove for the day.
A devotional-friendly study edition
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples includes chapter summaries and study features that can support daily reflection without replacing Scripture.
View the Devotional Study EditionFrequently asked questions
How much time should I set aside each day?
Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough for a simple daily pattern, although readers may choose a longer period for deeper journaling and prayer.
Is a ten-day or thirty-day plan better?
A ten-day plan is direct and keeps momentum. A thirty-day plan gives more time to read, study Scripture, reflect, and apply each chapter.
Can I use the devotional in the evening?
Yes. Morning study can set the direction for the day, while evening study can help review the day before God. Consistency matters more than the exact time.
What should I write in a devotional journal?
Record one truth about God, one sentence that challenged you, one Scripture, one prayer, and one practical action.