Spiritual Journaling

Devotional journals have been everything from a child writing down her daily thoughts about God in a notebook, to complex systematic projects with structured Bible passages and disciplinary exercises and such. Dan Phillips calls it simply "a written record of personal reactions to spiritual matters". The key thing about a journal is that it's a place to spiritually share yourself with God and with yourself. You're pouring your thoughts out to God, but you're also part of the audience, because you go back to it to see how you've spiritually grown -- or perhaps shrank. A journal is a helpful way of keeping up with our spiritual journey.

Whether it's used as a place to keep track of prayer requests, write poetry or Scripture, or just a place to write out fears, struggles, hopes and goals, a journal is a safe place to record and explore your deepest thoughts.

Yet, one rarely hears another Christian say, "You know, I was writing in my journal the other day about the faithfulness of the Lord, and I just ..." Christians tend to stress the importance of only prayer and Bible reading, but few accept journaling as a daily spiritual ritual. But some Christians do journal. Those who do find it a great exercise that strengthens the other disciplines in their life like prayer and Scripture study.

What kind of things go into it?

things you sense around you (observations)
places you've been and what you draw from them (pilgrimage and travel)
insights you've had along the way
prayers you've prayed (formally-written, poetic, or said/screamed/sobbed toward God).
special things that others have written or said.
ways you've surprised yourself.
things you've discovered while looking back in the journal.

As with most spiritual practices, there are important guidelines that help to make the journal effective. The most important is that you must be honest with yourself and God when writing. You probably won't get that right from the start. Few of us have any idea of what it really means to be honest to God, and so we have to learn as we go along.

Another good guideline is that the date and time should be marked with each entry. You can refer to that when you're looking back, or trying to remember. And, it is most helpful if the entries are tied into a rhythm of regular Bible reading (such as in a lectionary cycle) and private prayer. This is a spiritual journal, not a diary. Its focus is on the relationship between you and God, not you and your boyfriend or you and your pastor or you and your psychiatrist.

Get yourself a good, sturdy book for it, because you'll be taking it with you when you move, travel, or make pilgrimage. It's too important a task to be left to a flimsy notebook. Leave the book you're currently using in plain view, so that it can beckon you to come and write. Think without analyzing. Leave yourself open so the Spirit can get you to share honestly as you're writing.

A journal is like a muscle : when you use it regularly, it can carry more spiritual weight in your life.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

A helpful way to begin a day entry is to write a brief sentence to record and briefly describe events which are taking place in your life that day. Describe anything which comes to your mind. State the facts recent experiences as briefly as possible and make them a matter of prayer concern.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY JOURNAL?

Bible verses, sermon notes, or phrases that have a special meaning for you. Explore your feelings as you study the Bible. Experiences that have been meaningful to you should be added. New awareness of God's revealing himself to you should be included.
Quotes from books that are meaningful to you.
Any thoughts that come to your mind. Note any images that touch your life. (Example: An eagle crossing the sky)
Note especially feelings you have. Write how you feel about events, persons, ideas, and relationships.
What books are you reading? Keep a list of books you read. Write phrases from these books in your journal.
Note "anything that rings a bell in your life" in your journal.
Every month summarize the month. What were key events that happened?

HOW SHOULD I BEGIN?

Write fast, write everything, include everything. Write from your feeling, accept whatever comes to mind, and note it in your journal.

As you begin, ask this question: "What is the most important thing going on in my life right now?"

Begin with an image. "This period of my life has been like a narrow bridge."

Write all "the feelings" you have in one day.

Keep photographs, news clippings, and notes of world events.

WHAT DEVICES SHOULD I USE?

Feelings, descriptions, reflections (re-looking at the past), images, thought, and "whatever comes to mind" are what should be included in your journal. Keep lists of events, past happenings, or important events that have happened in your own life. Dialogue with yourself. Carry on an imaginary conversation with yourself. This can be helpful.

In summary, your spiritual journal is the key to developing your spiritual life. Work hard with it and your life will be greatly enriched.

For further information on journal writing.

A spiritual journal is simply a place to write down the adventures in your walk with God. This is a very effective discipline by which you can hold yourself accountable for all the other disciplines, and helps you maintain daily conversations with Jesus. There are no rules for journaling. If I had one rule, it would be to be very honest in writing your thoughts down in the journal. God wants your heart.

Ideas

See Jesus sitting across from you. What would you say to Him? Write this down.
Write out one thing you are afraid to tell Jesus. Then tell Him why you have been afraid.
Meditate on a passage of Scripture, and write down questions -- things about the passage that you do not understand.
Ask the Lord to tell you how you can know Him better; make this your purpose during the day. At the end of the day, write down His response to you; describe the experience.
Write down prayers and requests. Review these often and see how God has responded to your prayers.
Write down new insights you have gained from reading the Bible.
Write down anything you like, that is related to your walk with Christ.