Devotion is a term used to designate several related activities within the Christian church. Most frequently, this term refers to a period of time set aside to study the Bible and pray in a effort to build a stronger spiritual relationship with God. This time is often spent alone or with a small group of people.

Many devotional books, or devotionals, are available in retail stores today. These books contain directed Bible studies often incorporating stories or anecdotes that convey Biblical principles, similar to the parables used by Jesus in his ministry. One of the most famous of these is a devotional called 'My Utmost for His Highest', written by Oswald Chambers. Many Christian stores dedicate an entire section to these types of books, but they are widely available at secular stores as well, often categorized in an "inspirational" section.

The term

In the Roman Catholic Church, devotions are generally forms of prayer that take place outside of the official liturgy of the Mass and Divine Office. While the faithful are required to paticipate in the liturgy, devotions are strictly optional, although highly recommended, and by Canon Law must take place outside of the liturgy to avoid confusion. In the Latin Rite, well-known devotions include the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Stations of the Cross, Lectio Divina, and the Angelus. Typically devotions have the specific approval of the Church hierarchy, and some are restricted to purely private recitation, such as many litanies of saints.

See also

• Consecration

Devozione