The Question:
Look Who Asked 307 of Them

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

He asked, “What do you think about this?” (Matthew 21:28, NLT)

A Word For Writers

When you ask your reader a question, you invite her to interact with you.

Jesus used this technique. Scripture records 307 questions Jesus asked listeners. 

His questions ran the gamut:

• What is your name? (Luke 8:30)
• What do you think? (Matthew 21:28)
• What do you want? (Mark 10:51)
• Which is easier? (Luke 5:23)
• How many do you have? (Matthew 15:34)
• Where is it written? (Luke 10:26)
• Why do you ask? (Matthew 19:17)

But Jesus didn’t ask a question because he needed to know the answer.

He asked questions to interact with people, get them to think, hear what they had to say, and move into a deeper level of understanding.

The most successful content writing recognizes the value in this back-and-forth conversation. You want to write in such a way that your reader has a discussion with you, whether it’s in her head or on the screen. 

You’re writing to build a relationship. 

Jesus accomplished this by asking questions.

Why shouldn’t I use the same technique in my writing, too?

A Wise Word

Asking questions builds a relationship with your reader.

A Word To Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the model Jesus offers. He asked questions to interact with people. As I write, help me ask questions to my reader to create conversation. Let me build a relationship with my reader.

In Jesus name, Amen. 

---

More Devotionals for Writers

The How-To Article: Do You Assume Your Reader Knows Every Step?

The Best Freelance Writing Tip ...

The Profile Article: A Feature Article with a Twist ...

The Interview: Compassion Is the Root of Story ...

The Newsletter:  Get the Really Important Story ...

The Fact Check: Truth Is a Powerful Writing Tool ...

The Niche: One of the Most Effective Content Writing Tips ...

Wise Words: Devotionals for Writers ...

More Devotionals for Writers on our Pinterest board ...

Get more devotionals for writers delivered to your inbox each week.

Return from The Question to Nonprofit Copywriter home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Powered by SBI! Learn more here.