(file photo) The National Naval Medical Center’s Pastoral Care Department recently established an non-denominational phone line for people to call to receive inspirational messages 24-hours a day.

‘‘Dial for a Devotion” is the designed to encourage, inspire and comfort those who may need a spiritual boost, said Lt. Deann Coleman, a staff chaplain in Bethesda’s Pastoral Care Department.

‘‘Our main objective in Pastoral Care is to care for people,” Coleman said. ‘‘So this is our way to reach out to the entire hospital and say, ‘listen, we may not be around everyday to touch base with you, but what we can do is offer you a devotion line you can call and receive something uplifting.’”

Christina Brown, a medical laboratory technician for the National Naval Medical Center, said she utilized the chaplain’s services several times for spiritual guidance and prayer when she was a Sailor. She said she is interested in using the new devotion line because she can receive daily guidance without having to make an appointment to see a chaplain.

Coleman said the duty chaplains change the message daily. The messages are non-specific to any certain religion, but may contain some scripture, she said.

Coleman said phone lines are open 24 hours a day seven days a week for anyone who feels they need an encouraging word. Individuals can call (301) 295-4055.

‘‘Sometimes people have a bad day and they need something encouraging and uplifting,” Coleman said. ‘‘This [can] help them get through those difficult times.”