Are you passionate about helping people grow in their spiritual lives? Do you long to encourage and strengthen others in their daily lives? Have you experienced God moving in your own life?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ll want to be a part of our Pennsylvania Conference 2028 devotional book!
We are so excited to hear how God has used the 2025 devotional book to impact lives. Families have gotten “back to the altar” as they read the book for family worship each day. Couples are spending time together in worship for the first time by daily using the book. The devotionals have been given to those who don’t know Jesus or are just beginning to grow in relationship with Him. And people are enjoying reading the words of other members, pastors, teachers, and students–recognizing them from camp meeting and other Conference events.
We are again inviting our Pennsylvania Conference members to share their stories of how God has moved in their lives. Stories of worship, prayer, surrender, finding purpose and courage, understanding salvation and grace, being a part of the church family, and living healthy lives—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Remember that great devotionals have a theme, illustrate with a story or experience, and a relevant application for our lives. They encourage and equip the reader to face the day ahead.
Writing Guidelines
- Members, friends, and supporters of the Pennsylvania Conference who are ten years and older may may submit up to four devotionals.
- Pray for God’s guidance in your writing. Pray for the people who will read your words.
- Submit only original unpublished materials that show God’s love, our love for Him, the impact of Sabbath, the impact healthy habits have had in your life, ways God has used you or spoken to you. Experiences of your own, your parents, grandparents, etc. are acceptable with facts checked and consent. No sermons.
- Observations from nature, animals and events in daily life are great subjects for devotionals.
- Avoid controversial/sensitive topics like abortion, current/recent visa problems, gay rights, politics, women’s ordination, etc… Avoid content that promotes a business, book, etc… or pay tributes to people. Avoid profound doctrinal topics.
- Use simple language. Avoid clichés, jargon, slang, or terminology specific to any denomination.
- Use short sentences and paragraphs with strong verbs, and active voice as much as possible. We will help with editing after submission.
- Word count of approximately 325 includes the date, title, scripture, story, contributor’s full name, and any footnotes.
- Pick a catchy/punchy/zappy short title if you can. We can help with selecting a title.
- Choose a scripture verse related to your story. You must include the Bible version.
- Keep outside quotations to a minimum and provide citations if using quotations. (If not cited, quotation will be removed. This includes Ellen White quotes.)
- Close with a summary of the clear takeaway point.
- Read your devotional before submitting to double-check everything.
Deadlines for submissions is June 30, 2026.
By submitting your devotional, you confirm that the piece is your own original work and that you grant the Pennsylvania Conference permission to edit and publish it in our 2028 devotional book. Submissions may be edited for clarity, word count, and consistency with the book’s overall style and theme. By submitting, you also agree not to submit the same devotional to other publications, understanding that it becomes the property of the Pennsylvania Conference. You also confirm that you have permission from anyone mentioned in your devotional.
We’re honored to consider your story and are grateful that you are uniting with us to help others grow closer to Jesus.
Order Copies of the 2025 Devotional Book
Back to the Altar is a heartfelt collection of devotionals written by voices spanning generations—from children to adults, ages 10 to 95—from across the Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Each page invites you to pause, reflect, and draw nearer to God through daily worship and prayer. Whether you are seeking comfort, inspiration, or a deeper connection with Christ, this book offers a unique and inspiring experience to guide you back to the altar of worship as individuals and as families. Use it in your home as an opportunity to encounter God’s presence anew either in your daily personal or family devotions every morning or evening.
Purchase additional copies for family, friends, and co-workers for $10.00 plus $5.00 shipping.