Final Project
Final Project: My Devotional Collection: A Seven-Day Set and 30-Day Plan
Write a seven-day devotional set for one specific reader, in a consistent format, and an outline for a 30-day collection that could grow from it. Handwritten work is fully acceptable. Every Scripture is quoted word for word from the KJV, studied in context, and reviewed by your instructor, chaplain, or a mentor.
Requirements
- A title page with the set's title, theme statement, and a short reader profile (a composite example)
- Seven complete devotions, each with Scripture, hook or story, insight, application, prayer, and an action step or reflection question (about 250–400 words or one to two handwritten pages each)
- Every Scripture quoted exactly from the KJV with book, chapter, and verse, plus a two- to three-sentence context note for each passage
- At least two devotions using personal experience and at least two using everyday illustrations, with privacy and security rules followed
- Original prayers throughout, including at least one honest prayer of lament or struggle
- A one-page style sheet showing consistent format choices
- A 30-day collection outline: four weekly sub-themes, and for each day a title, verse reference, and takeaway sentence (your seven devotions may be included)
- Review notes from your instructor, chaplain, or mentor, and a one-page reflection on what you revised, what you learned, and one next step as a writer
Timeline
- Module 3: first complete devotion
- Module 5: reader profile, theme, and seven passages
- Module 6: prayers
- Module 7: drafts of all seven devotions
- Module 8: 30-day outline, review, submission, and optional read-aloud
Grading Rubrics
Grading Rubrics
Every rubric uses the same four levels. Your instructor will mark the level that best matches your work for each row and add a short comment.
Module Assignment Rubric
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness | Every required part is done | Most required parts are done | About half the parts are done | Little of the assignment is done |
| Accuracy & Skill | Skills applied correctly with no significant errors | Minor errors that do not affect the result | Several errors that affect the result | Major errors throughout |
| Professional Quality | Neat, clear, and ready for an employer to see | Clear with small issues | Hard to follow in places | Unclear or disorganized |
| Effort & Growth | Went beyond the minimum or clearly improved | Solid, consistent effort | Minimal effort | Little evidence of effort |
Total possible: 16 points.
Reflection Journal Rubric
Journals are graded on effort and reflection, never on spelling, grammar, or the details of a personal story.
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completion | Responds fully to every part of the prompt | Responds to most of the prompt | Responds to part of the prompt | Entry missing or one line |
| Connection to Lesson | Clearly applies the week's skill or idea | Mentions the lesson | Vague link to the lesson | No link to the lesson |
| Faith Reflection | Thoughtfully engages the Scripture or faith theme | Engages the faith theme | Brief mention of faith theme | Does not address the faith theme |
| Personal Application | Names a specific next step or change | Names a general next step | Next step is unclear | No next step |
Total possible: 16 points.
Participation Rubric
Scored at the end of each module. Average the eight scores for the Attendance & Participation grade.
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance & Punctuality | Present and on time for the full session | Present; late or left early once | Missed part of the session more than once | Absent without make-up work |
| Preparation | Completed assignment and brought workbook every time | Usually prepared | Sometimes prepared | Rarely prepared |
| Engagement | Contributes thoughtfully and draws others in | Contributes regularly | Contributes when asked | Seldom contributes, even when invited |
| Respect & Covenant | Models the classroom covenant for others | Follows the covenant consistently | Needs occasional reminders | Needs frequent reminders |
Total possible: 16 points.
Final Project Rubric: My Devotional Collection
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness | Seven complete devotions, 30-day outline, style sheet, review, and reflection | One item partly missing | Several items missing | Incomplete |
| Faithful Use of Scripture | Every quotation exact with reference; context respected; no proof-texting | One or two minor errors | Several errors or a passage used out of context | Frequent misquotes or misuse |
| Devotional Craft | Strong hooks, one clear insight each, fitting application and prayer | Good craft with small gaps | Parts missing or ideas unfocused | Little devotional structure |
| Reader & Consistency | Clearly written to one reader in a consistent format | Mostly consistent | Inconsistent format or unclear reader | No clear reader or format |
| Humility, Review & Reflection | Review received and applied; thoughtful reflection | Review received; good reflection | Little revision; brief reflection | No review or reflection |
Total possible: 20 points.
Quick Guide
Devotional Writer's Quick Guide
Keep this guide with your important papers after release.
The Six Parts of a Devotion
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Scripture | Focal verse, quoted exactly, with reference (KJV) |
| 2. Hook or story | A moment, question, or image that connects |
| 3. Insight | One truth from the passage in context |
| 4. Application | What it means for the reader today |
| 5. Prayer | Short and plain; the reader can pray it as her own |
| 6. Action or question | One small thing to do or think about |
Context Questions
- ☐ Who wrote it, and to whom?
- ☐ What happens before and after this verse?
- ☐ What kind of writing is it: history, poetry, prophecy, gospel, or letter?
- ☐ What does it show about God?
- ☐ What did it mean then, and how does that truth apply now?
Quoting Scripture
- ☐ Copy from a printed Bible, not memory; check twice
- ☐ Give book, chapter, and verse, and name the translation (KJV)
- ☐ Use ... for omitted words; never change or add words
- ☐ KJV: public domain in the U.S.; modern translations: check the publisher's permissions page
Prayer Patterns
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| A | Adoration: praise God for who He is |
| C | Confession: honest, gently offered |
| T | Thanksgiving: name His gifts |
| S | Supplication: bring your requests |
Before You Post or Mail
- ☐ Follow facility rules on mail and media while inside
- ☐ Check your conditions of release; ask your officer if unsure
- ☐ No locations, personal details, names of others, or case details
- ☐ Quote accurately; do not copy others' writing or modern song lyrics
- ☐ Ask a pastor, chaplain, or mentor to review first
My Writing Plan
My reader: ______________________________
My theme: ______________________________
Devotions I will write each week: ______ My reviewer: ______________________
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.— Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Final Exam
- 1.
A devotion is best described as:
- 2.
In a devotion, what is at the center?
- 3.
2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers to be workmen:
- 4.
Proof-texting means:
- 5.
Jeremiah 29:11 was first written to:
- 6.
The KJV may be quoted freely in the U.S. because it is:
- 7.
Before quoting a modern translation in a published work, you should:
- 8.
Which is NOT one of the six parts of a devotion?
- 9.
A takeaway sentence states:
- 10.
A bridge sentence:
- 11.
Jesus used which everyday illustration?
- 12.
A reader profile describes:
- 13.
In ACTS, the S stands for:
- 14.
Before posting online after release, a writer should:
- 15.
A personal story in a devotion should usually be the longest part.
- 16.
Lament is a biblical form of prayer.
- 17.
Free-verse poems must rhyme.
- 18.
Asking a pastor or mentor to review your devotions shows theological humility.
- 19.
Name the six parts of a devotion in order.
- 20.
Explain how Acts 18:26 applies to a devotional writer.