Jonah: I firmly believe that daily devotions are essential for every Christian. Scripture clearly shows the importance of regular engagement with God’s Word and prayer. For instance, Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” This indicates that meditation on Scripture should be a constant practice. Furthermore, Jesus Himself set the example. Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” If Jesus, the Son of God, prioritised daily communion with the Father, how much more should we?

Carl: I believe we need to look at this issue with a broader perspective. While daily devotions can be beneficial, they are not a rigid requirement for Christians. Faith is about relationship, not ritual. Consider Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus summarises the Law: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” This speaks to the quality of our relationship with God, not the quantity of time spent in specific practices. Also, life circumstances differ. A single parent juggling work and childcare might not have the time for structured daily devotions, but that doesn’t mean they are less faithful. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Faithfulness can manifest in how we live, not just in a specific daily ritual.

Jonah: I agree that the heart of our faith is relationship, but relationships require intentionality and time. Without daily devotions, how can we expect to grow spiritually? In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage highlights that Scripture equips us for good works. Regular, daily engagement with God’s Word ensures that we are constantly being refined and prepared for what God calls us to do.

Carl: I’m not saying we should neglect Scripture or prayer. But the key is how we integrate these into our lives. The Pharisees were meticulous about their spiritual disciplines, yet Jesus rebuked them in Matthew 23:23 for neglecting “the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” What matters most is living out the teachings of Christ. Someone might spend hours in daily devotions but fail to show love or kindness to their neighbor. James 1:22 reminds us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” A rigid focus on daily devotions can sometimes lead to a check-the-box mentality rather than genuine spiritual growth.

Jonah: I believe the two go hand in hand. Without daily devotions, it’s easy to drift spiritually. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” Daily devotions keep us sharp and attuned to God’s will, helping us avoid the distractions and temptations of the world.

Carl: Let’s not underestimate the diversity of Christian spirituality. Romans 12:1 says, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Worship is not confined to a specific time or practice; it encompasses our entire lives. For some, daily devotions are a wonderful tool. For others, moments of spontaneous prayer, acts of service, or simply walking in God’s creation can be equally meaningful.

Our faith calls us to continuously seek wisdom and understanding. It’s vital for us, as Christians, to engage in these dialogues, always aiming to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our lives and the lives of those around us.