Daily Devotional Reading
Slow down, tune in, and care for your soul—one page at a time.
SoulWeaver (noun): A seeker, dreamer, and magic-maker who weaves the threads of life into something beautiful, tuning into what feels aligned and releasing what no longer serves. Guided by intuitive knowing, you turn inward to create a life that is unconventional, authentic, and wildly fulfilling.
Dear Soul Weaver,
Today I want to talk to you about the practice of devotional reading.
This might be something you already do as part of your spiritual or personal growth practices—or maybe you’ve never thought of reading this way before. Honestly, I’ve been doing it for so long that I almost forgot it was something I could share here. But this morning, when I picked up my current devotional book, I thought, Oh yeah… this. This is a great practice for Soul Weavers.
I’ve been doing devotional reading on and off since I was a kid. I grew up in an evangelical Christian church, and one of the practices they encouraged was reading the Bible and praying every day. Even though there was a lot of pressure to be “good” by keeping up with that practice, I also kind of liked it. If I was going to be a good Christian in any way, reading was where I would shine.
And strangely (or not so strangely), this is the one practice that’s really stuck with me through all the years and all the changes in my spiritual path.
So what is devotional reading?
It’s a soul-nourishing, slow, and intentional reading practice—where you read a short passage from a book every day (or most days), as part of your morning meditation or contemplation ritual.
It’s not about productivity. You’re not trying to finish a book. Instead, it’s a sacred act of self-care—a way to take in wise words that help you reconnect with your inner wisdom, emotional balance, and spiritual center.
For my devotional reading, I sometimes choose an official “devotional” book—one that’s structured with a passage for each day of the year. My longtime favorite is The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie.
Other times, I choose a book I feel intuitively drawn to, even if it isn’t formatted as a devotional. In that case, I’ll just read a page or two a day. Whether I finish it or not doesn’t matter. I’m not reading to get through it—I’m reading to let the words wash over me and help me feel centered for the day ahead.
Right now, I’m reading Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. Other books I’ve loved using as devotionals include:
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Soberful by Veronica Valli
Basically, any book that feels like a wise companion for this season of your life can become a devotional.
Devotional vs. Regular Reading
The mindset is really different from regular reading. With regular reading, I often feel pressure to finish the book—or to read faster than I naturally do. (I’m a slow reader, and I’m still learning to love that about myself.)
But devotional reading isn’t about the finishing. It’s about the practice—tending to your mind, heart, and soul with words that bring you back to yourself. It’s like putting up little lanterns along your path so you don’t lose your way.
I’ve been sober for 14 years, and even now, my emotions, my thoughts, or my choices can get wobbly, to say the least. Devotional reading—just one page a day—helps me come home to myself. It’s one of the practices that keeps me steady and aligned with my inner compass.
There have been stretches of time where I’ve lost the practice, and honestly, those times usually match up with feeling off track in other parts of my life. Often, a fresh start for me begins with choosing a new book and reading a page or two each morning. It’s not just a sign that I’m coming back to myself—it’s also one of the tools that helps me stay there.
Choosing the Right Book
Devotional reading is a practice for healing and growth, so the book you choose really matters. Don’t pick something just because you think you should read it. Pick something that calls to you—something your intuition nudges you toward. The right book at the right time makes all the difference. This practice should feel nourishing, and not like a burden. If it starts to feel like too much pressure, switch up your book.
And if you grew up in a religion where daily reading was a duty or a way to be “good,” it’s okay to let go of that old pressure. This isn’t about being good. This is about being devoted—to your own heart. It’s about caring for yourself with kindness, presence, and wisdom.
I’d love to hear from you
📚💫 What books have you used—or would like to use—as part of a devotional reading practice? Hit reply to this email or come share your favorites in the comments so we can build a little devotional reading shelf together, Soul Weaver–style.
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—Emma
P.S. If you’re craving a fresh start and would love some guidance along the way, I have a new one-on-one Fresh Start Session offering. It’s a 60-minute life coaching session designed to help you clear out the fog, hear your own inner wisdom, and take soul-aligned steps forward. Think of it like a cup of warm tea for your spirit and a compass for your next chapter. You can learn more and book a session here. I’d be honored to support you. 💗
Hi, I’m Emma! I’m a life coach and writer living in the mossy woods of the Pacific Northwest. I help unconventional folks, like you, dare to create magical and wildly fulfilling lives. Curious about my coaching offerings? Visit my website to learn more!
If you’re a reader and love cozy mysteries, cozy fantasies, or charming sci-fi, don’t miss my other bookish newsletter, Sleuth, Hero, Alien. It’s perfect for cozy readers seeking their next favorite read! Read the most recent post here: When Everyone Says a Book is Cozy, but…
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