Imagine this: You walk into a meeting, and someone asks you to lead the devotion. If you’ve never done it before, it might feel intimidating. Maybe you think you need to prepare a mini-sermon or deliver profound insights. While that approach might work for some, let me share a different way—one that’s both effective and engaging.
Leading a devotion is a skill you’ll likely need at some point, whether in a small group, a church meeting, or a Bible study. Most church gatherings start with a 20-minute devotion, so being prepared to lead one is invaluable.
Flow Questions
In my experience, the best way to lead a devotion involves using a tool known as Flow Questions. This method not only makes it easier for you as the leader but also helps everyone engage, learn, and grow together.
Some people think a devotion is a condensed sermon, where the leader speaks while everyone else listens. While that can be helpful, my strong preference is for a devotion that sparks dialogue. Flow questions are designed to get the group talking, learning from each other’s experiences, and exploring Scripture together. Instead of being a one-way delivery of head knowledge, this method emphasizes life application and personal growth.
When I spend time in God’s Word, I’m always looking for a takeaway. I ask myself, “How is this impacting me? What is God saying to me personally? How will this change how I live?” Flow questions are built on this same principle—creating opportunities for people to discover how Scripture applies to their lives.
The Methodology
Flow questions follow a simple progression of five steps:
- Lean In
Start with a question that’s easy to answer and draws people into the conversation. It should spark curiosity and encourage engagement without requiring deep thought or vulnerability. For example, if your Scripture passage is about kindness, you might ask, “What’s a small act of kindness someone has shown you recently?” The goal is to get the group to talk and be comfortable with one another. The chances of people participating later in the group time increases greatly if you can engage them in this first question. - Look Down
This question invites the group to literally look down together at a passage of Scripture and observe everything it says, verse by verse, and then as a whole. Ask a question that focuses on the text, helping the group observe what it says. For example, “What stands out to you in this passage?” or “What do you think this verse reveals about God’s character?” This question anchors the discussion in God’s Word. - Look Out
Now, shift the focus outward. The Look Out question prompts the group to think about how to see the passage in real-world terms. The leader guides the group to bridge what they have observed in God’s Word to where they observe these truths in our world today. This step broadens the perspective before moving inward. - Look In
This question guides the group to reflect on how the passage applies to their own lives. It causes them to internalize God’s word and gauge where they are in relation to it. This step can be deeply personal and transformative. - Live It Out
Finally, challenge the group to consider practical application. This question asks the group to consider what our world could look like if we held on to the truths of the passage and made it evident in our lives. This step encourages action and growth, helping everyone leave with a clear takeaway.
One of the benefits of using flow questions is that they allow everyone to contribute. Hearing other people’s perspective often leads to new insights and a richer understanding of Scripture. As the leader, your role is to guide the discussion, not preach or provide all the answers. This approach creates an environment where people feel valued and inspired to grow in their faith.
ACTION STEPS
Next time you’re asked to lead a devotion, remember the power of flow questions. They transform what could be a one-way message into a dynamic, Spirit-filled conversation—one that helps everyone, including you, grow closer to God. Leading a devotion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once God puts a Scripture on your heart, you can craft your flow questions around it. With this method, a devotion can take as little as 20 minutes or more based on time. By fostering engagement and focusing on life application, you’ll help others not just hear God’s Word but truly live it out.