Methodist Heritage & Theology

The Secrets of John Wesley's Devotional Life

1. It was disciplined

Wesley valued his time with God and so he was willing to discipline himself to get the most out of it. He set his alarm for 4 in the morning just to begin the day with at least two hours of devotions. He rigorously kept a daily diary to record personal thoughts and scripture verses that were meaningful to him. This does not mean that Wesley did not suffer from dry times, or times when he felt God was far away. Discipline however kept him in his daily devotions in spite of what he felt. Wesley kept his daily devotions not because it made him feel good but because he knew it would make him better.

What do you value about your daily devotions?

What difficulties do you face in keeping daily devotions?

2. It was realistic

Wesley was realistic. He realized that getting up early would not be possible unless he slept early. Thus he would turn in no later than 10 at night. Wesley did have his struggles. It took him several months before he could get up so early for his morning devotions. He knew the difficulties of a disciplined spiritual walk. Wesley also learnt to adapt his style. There was a time when he morbidly noted all his failures on a chart in his journal. However, as he grew older and wiser, he realized the need to apply God's grace instead. He did away with his chart of failures and reflected more on God's goodness in his life.

How have you made your devotional life more suited to the schedule you keep?

3. It had depth

Wesley's life was rich with treasured readings which made his devotions have a depth of understanding of both man and God. His primary reading material was the Bible, of course. However, he read classis like " The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a' Kempis and " An Introduction to the Devout Life" by Francis deSales. Through these books he learnt how to apply his knowledge of the Bible to his everyday life. He also read extensively on a broad variety of subjects that ranged from philosophy to medicine. Wesley knew how to balance the study of the Word with the study of other works. If he had read widely without a focus on the Word, he would have become shallow-minded. If he had focused on the Word of God alone without tasting other literature, he would have become narrow-minded. He knew how to do both right.

What other materials beside your Bible do you use for your daily devotions?

4. It had breadth

Wesley's devotional life was hidden and rooted in private practice but its fruits were borne and shared in public. Wesley made it a point to extend his devotional time to a larger community. He had regular class meetings with fellow-believers where they heard each other's confessions and encouraged one another in the faith. He also found great meaning in sharing the Holy Communion regularly with others. Wesley's devotional life was a discipline which he shared in community. Church attendance was an important part of his devotions. He knew the importance of being part of the body of Christ. He was no Lone Ranger.

In what ways do you share your devotional experiences regularly with fellow believers?

How to Liven Up your Devotional Life

1. Writing Prayers

Wesley wrote out prayers to express himself. If you are good with words you can do the same. Here is an example :

Each moment draw from earth away
My heart, that lowly waits thy call;
Speak to my inmost soul, and say,
“I am thy Love, thy God, thy All!”
To feel thy power, to hear thy voice,
To taste thy love, be all my choice.

AMEN.

We can also speak to God through other means. You may try drawing out your thoughts. Or else clip special items or sayings that have inspired you like the following saying from Wesley :

John Wesley’s Rule for Christian Living

Do All the Good You Can,
By All the Means You Can,
In All the Ways You Can,
In All the Places You Can,
At All the Times You Can,
To All the People You Can,
As Long as Ever … You Can!

2. Reading Prayers

Wesley often read collections of prayers. These helped him focus on God and also prevented him from being too self-centred in his prayers. Try reading this prayer of his 3 times and let the words speak to you:

Take my poor heart, and let it be
Forever closed to all but thee;
Seal thou my breast, and let me wear
That pledge of love forever there.