{"id":5390,"date":"2020-03-12T13:44:20","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T18:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/?p=5390"},"modified":"2020-03-12T13:44:20","modified_gmt":"2020-03-12T18:44:20","slug":"six-tips-journaling-prayer-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/index.php\/2020\/03\/12\/six-tips-journaling-prayer-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Tips for Adding Journaling Into Your Prayer Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"

This fall and winter, I participated in a 16-week prayer practicum. Led by a spiritual director, this experience led me and other women through <\/span>lectio divina<\/span><\/i> and Ignatian spiritual prayer practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each week, we prayed within a theme, such as \u201cGod provides for me.\u201d We asked for specific graces, such as a \u201cdeeper trust in the Father\u2019s care for me.\u201d And we did this through Scripture reading and meditation. We kept a daily prayer practice, and at the end of each prayer period, we journaled about our experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why journaling?<\/b><\/h2>\n

During my prayer practicum, we journaled, because it solidified our experience. Each week, we reviewed our journal to see themes and patterns in our prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the practicum, we looked back over all 16 weeks of prayer. And I have to say, without my journaling, there is no way I would have remembered all that God spoke to me during this special prayer experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journaling: an ongoing conversation with God<\/b><\/h2>\n

For me, journaling has become an ongoing conversation with God. It is how I vocalize what I am personally going through, and it is how I invite God into my reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

While prayer journaling, I can sense when it is me speaking, and when it is God. My journaling almost always follows time spent in God\u2019s Word, for Scripture is God\u2019s love letter to each one of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to begin?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you have never journaled before, but it sounds intriguing, let me share a few tips to help you begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Bring your Bible<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since journaling usually follows time spent reading Scripture, it is important to have a Bible close at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Fancy is not required<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your journal (nor your pen) does not have to be fancy or pretty. Anything will do! I personally like journals that lay flat, like <\/span>these<\/span><\/a> from Blessed Is She or this <\/span>one<\/span><\/a> from Be A Heart. They are slim and easy to transport. Plus, they make writing easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) You do not have to be a writer to be a journaler<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your journal can take shape in a multitude of ways. Perhaps it ends up being filled with bulleted lists. Or hand-lettered Scripture verses that touch your heart. You may write paragraphs or simply jot a few sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Consistency is key<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Writing a little everyday or every few days will give you greater insights into your own heart and how God is speaking to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

5) Start with a guided journal that include instructions and prompts<\/strong><\/h3>\n