daily-devotion

---
name: daily_devotion
description: Creates personalized daily devotions with verse of the day, pastoral message, structured prayer, and time-aware greetings
version: 1.1.0
author: Eric Kariuki
npm: daily-devotion-skill
repository: https://github.com/enjuguna/Molthub-Daily-Devotion
requirements:
  - Internet access for ourmanna API
  - Node.js/TypeScript runtime for helper scripts
---

# Daily Devotion Skill

This skill creates a complete, personalized daily devotion experience for the user. It fetches the verse of the day, generates a warm pastoral devotion message, crafts a structured prayer, and wishes the user well based on the time of day.

## Overview

The Daily Devotion skill provides:
1. **Verse of the Day** - Fetched from the ourmanna API
2. **Devotional Message** - A warm, pastoral reflection on the verse
3. **Structured Prayer** - A 6-part prayer following traditional Christian format
4. **Time-Aware Greeting** - Personalized farewell based on time of day

---

## Installation

Install the helper scripts from npm:

```bash
npm install daily-devotion-skill
```

Or use directly with npx:

```bash
npx daily-devotion-skill
```

**Repository:** [github.com/enjuguna/Molthub-Daily-Devotion](https://github.com/enjuguna/Molthub-Daily-Devotion)

---

## Step 1: Fetch the Verse of the Day

Call the ourmanna API to get today's verse:

```
GET https://beta.ourmanna.com/api/v1/get?format=json&order=daily
```

**Response Structure:**
```json
{
  "verse": {
    "details": {
      "text": "The verse text here...",
      "reference": "Book Chapter:Verse",
      "version": "NIV",
      "verseurl": "http://www.ourmanna.com/"
    },
    "notice": "Powered by OurManna.com"
  }
}
```

Extract and present:
- **Verse Text**: `verse.details.text`
- **Reference**: `verse.details.reference`
- **Version**: `verse.details.version`

Alternatively, run the helper script:
```bash
npx ts-node scripts/fetch_verse.ts
```

---

## Step 2: Generate the Devotional Message

Create a warm, pastoral devotion based on the verse. The tone should be like a caring pastor speaking directly to a beloved congregation member.

### Devotion Structure:

1. **Opening Hook** (1-2 sentences)
   - Start with a relatable life scenario or question that connects to the verse
   - Draw the reader in immediately

2. **Verse Context** (2-3 sentences)
   - Provide brief historical or cultural context of the passage
   - Explain who wrote it, to whom, and why

3. **Core Message** (3-4 sentences)
   - Unpack the meaning of the verse
   - Explain how it applies to modern life
   - Use warm, encouraging language

4. **Cross-References** (1-2 verses)
   - Include 1-2 related scripture references that reinforce the message
   - Briefly explain the connection

5. **Personal Application** (2-3 sentences)
   - Speak directly to the reader using "you"
   - Be encouraging and uplifting
   - Acknowledge struggles while pointing to hope

6. **Today's Challenge** (Dynamic - NEVER repeat the same challenge)
   - Provide ONE practical, actionable step the user can take today
   - **Vary the duration**: Use 3-15 minutes based on context and activity type
   - **Vary the activity**: Rotate between silence, meditation, journaling, action, prayer, worship
   - **Personalize**: Tailor to the verse theme and user's known context/profile
   
   **Example Challenge Templates (pick ONE and adapt to the verse):**
   1. "Set aside [3-10] minutes to [meditate/journal/reflect] on [theme from verse]..."
   2. "Before your next [meeting/task/meal], take [2-5] minutes to [action related to verse]..."
   3. "Write down [number] ways you can [apply verse principle] today..."
   4. "During your [commute/break/walk], spend [time] [speaking/listening/reflecting] on [verse theme]..."
   5. "Send a [message/note/text] to someone expressing [gratitude/encouragement/love] as the verse teaches..."
   6. "Tonight before bed, [specific reflection activity] for [3-7] minutes..."
   7. "Pause three times today to silently thank God for [verse-related blessing]..."
   8. "Choose one person to [encourage/forgive/help/pray for] as a response to this verse..."
   9. "Take a [5-10] minute prayer walk, focusing on [verse theme]..."
   10. "Write a short prayer in your own words inspired by today's scripture..."
   11. "Find a quiet moment to read [related passage] and compare its message to today's verse..."
   12. "Speak today's verse out loud [3-5] times to let it sink into your spirit..."
   13. "Share this verse with someone who might need its encouragement today..."
   14. "Before each meal today, reflect on one aspect of [verse theme]..."
   15. "Create a simple reminder (phone wallpaper, sticky note) of today's verse..."
   16. "At the end of your workday, spend [5] minutes reviewing how you applied this verse..."
   17. "Listen to a worship song that reflects the theme of [verse theme]..."
   18. "Journal about a time when you experienced [the truth of this verse]..."
   19. "Take [10] minutes to sit in complete silence, letting God's [grace/peace/love] wash over you..."
   20. "Identify one habit you can adjust today to better align with [verse principle]..."
   21. "Practice [forgiveness/patience/gratitude/trust] in your next challenging interaction..."
   22. "Memorize today's verse by writing it out [3-5] times..."
   23. "Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal one area of your life that needs [verse theme]..."
   24. "Set an alarm for [time] to pause and re-read today's verse wherever you are..."

### Tone Guidelines:
- **Warm and pastoral** - Like a loving shepherd caring for sheep
- **Encouraging** - Focus on hope, not condemnation
- **Personal** - Use "you" and "we" to create connection
- **Accessible** - Avoid overly theological jargon
- **Uplifting** - Leave the reader feeling encouraged and empowered

---

## Step 3: Handle Prayer Context

> [!IMPORTANT]
> **Do NOT ask the user for prayer requests interactively.** Prayer requests should be included in the initial prompt when the user invokes the skill.

**If prayer requests are provided in the prompt:**
- Incorporate them naturally into Part 4 of the prayer
- Be sensitive and respectful with personal matters
- If work-related, refer to it simply as "work" or "workplace"
- If health-related, pray for healing and strength
- If relationship-related, pray for wisdom and reconciliation
- If finances are mentioned, pray for provision and wise stewardship

**If no prayer context is provided:**
- Use general prayers for daily guidance and protection
- Pray for the user's family and loved ones generically
- Focus more on the verse application

---

## Step 4: Craft the Structured Prayer

> [!IMPORTANT]
> **ALWAYS use FIRST-PERSON perspective** in the prayer. Use "I", "my", "me" when referring to the user—NEVER refer to them by name in third-person (e.g., say "my family" not "Eric's family").

Create a prayer following this 6-part structure. The prayer should flow naturally as one continuous conversation with God.

> [!CAUTION]
> **NEVER repeat the same phrases across different devotions.** Each prayer should feel fresh and unique. Rotate through the example phrases and create new variations.

### Part 1: Praising the Lord
Begin by glorifying God's attributes. **ROTATE through varied openings:**

**Example Openings (vary each time - pick ONE):**
1. "Heavenly Father, I come before You in awe of Your majesty..."
2. "Lord God, I bow in worship before Your throne of grace..."
3. "Almighty God, my heart overflows with praise for who You are..."
4. "Father of lights, I lift my voice to exalt Your holy name..."
5. "Sovereign Lord, I stand amazed at Your greatness..."
6. "Gracious God, I enter Your presence with thanksgiving and praise..."
7. "Most High God, I worship You for Your unmatched glory..."
8. "Eternal Father, my soul magnifies Your wonderful name..."
9. "Lord of all creation, I honor You with all that I am..."
10. "Holy One of Israel, I come with reverence into Your presence..."
11. "Mighty God, I celebrate Your power and endless love..."
12. "Faithful Father, I praise You for Your steadfast devotion..."
13. "King of Kings, I kneel before Your awesome throne..."
14. "God of all comfort, I bless Your name this day..."
15. "Wonderful Counselor, I lift high Your glorious name..."
16. "Prince of Peace, I worship You with a grateful heart..."
17. "Ancient of Days, I stand in wonder at Your eternal nature..."
18. "Lord of Hosts, I exalt You above all earthly things..."
19. "Rock of Ages, I praise You for being my firm foundation..."
20. "Merciful Father, my spirit rejoices in Your abundant grace..."

**Rotate these attributes** (pick 2-3 per prayer): holiness, love, power, faithfulness, mercy, sovereignty, wisdom, patience, justice, goodness, omniscience, immutability, compassion, righteousness, majesty, glory, tenderness, protective nature

### Part 2: Thanking the Lord
Express gratitude with variety. **Pick 3-4 themes per prayer (not all):**

**Gratitude Themes (rotate selection):**
1. The gift of a new day and fresh mercies
2. Life, breath, and the health in my body
3. His Word that guides and instructs my steps
4. Salvation and grace through Jesus Christ
5. Family members who love and support me
6. Provision of food, shelter, and daily needs
7. Opportunities to serve and grow in faith
8. Progress on current projects and goals
9. Friendships and community that encourage me
10. The beauty of nature and creation around me
11. Peace in the midst of difficult circumstances
12. Past answered prayers and remembered blessings
13. The gift of rest and restoration
14. Wisdom granted in challenging decisions
15. Protection from seen and unseen dangers
16. The comfort of the Holy Spirit in times of grief
17. Second chances and fresh starts
18. T

... (truncated)