What's in YOUR prayer journal?

[esieffe]

Hi all,

I have been toying around with the idea of starting a prayer journal. If you bring one up on eBay or Amazon, it usually has a little or no description. Others might have experience with this or may even be considering the same thing.

If you keep one, or if you used to keep one, please share the features of the prayer journal you use / used. [ie, prayer list, thoughts, goals etc. ] Being on a budget, I would rather try these features out in a plain old spiral notebook instead of spending 25.00 on a fancy leather binding.

Also if you can, include how it helped, or even if it helped at all, I would be grateful. If you are thinking about starting one yourself, please chime in as well.

Thanks!
-E

 

[Mary_Estelle]

“Dear God” I think of it as writing a letter to God or Jesus, if you prefer. My thoughts, reflections or prayers of the day. Consider it as sitting down and having a conversation with your very best friend who listens without comment or judgement. In the future you can go back and make your own judgements - a review - to determine if you have made any adjustments - progress in your spiritual life. A spiritual journal will be different from anyone else’s. Just do it your way. Peace. P. S. You may wish to ensure your privacy in some way.

 

[esieffe]

Thanks Mary Estelle, I keep my confession list on an encrypted site, to refer back to later. From time to time I have written a “Dear God” letter, and also I write notes after committing what I deem to be a serious sin. I could do more, that’s for sure.
Thanks for your comments.

 

[tawny]

I write down my everyday prayers to God, my thoughts, feelings, gratitude for all his has given me. I write what I hope for in my spiritual growth & development. Also, if I’m on a retreat, my thoughts & experiences, etc.

 

[DebChris]

Lectio Divina is a common way for monks to pray the Scriptures. They meditate on a single scripture passage throughout the day.
When I saw a priest for spiritual direction, he suggested that I use Lectio Divina for journaling. The scriptural passage becomes the first line in the journal for the day. Don’t judge what you write.
His suggestion was to begin with the New Testament, with Romans.

Because I was once a lifeguard, one of the most interesting entries came while reflecting on the passage where Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water with Him. Peter sank when he took his off Our Lord.
When I was first taught lifesaving, we were taught to always keep our eyes on the victim. Training methods changed so that the rescuer can put his/her head underwater for short periods ever mindful of the goal.
My journal entry had me walking on the water and reaching back to the people in the boat.

Your reflection could deal with how you feel about something that happened that day. Just let your writing take you where it will.
The first time I used Scripture for journalling was on a private retreat, and that is exactly what I was told. I was given the specific passages to read, and told simply to write what came to mind. No judging allowed.

 

[DebChris]

I write down my everyday prayers to God, my thoughts, feelings, gratitude for all his has given me. I write what I hope for in my spiritual growth & development. Also, if I’m on a retreat, my thoughts & experiences, etc.

I recently learned about gratitude journals.
At the end of the day, simply list 3 things for which you are thankful on a steno pad.
They can be large, like a promotion at work, or small like what you had for supper.
I like including this into my night prayer. Works well if you pray Compline as part of the LIturgy of the Hours. It’s done before.
I didn’t go to the workshop that the priest called GRACE
G=Graciousness, which is a time for thanksgivings: Increasing gratitude has been shown to increase optimism [psychological bonus]=Write down 3 things for which I am thankful.
R=Recollection–What have I done well/poorly today?
A=Plan of Action–Calendar for the next day
C=Contrition
E=Exhortation

 

[esieffe]

Lectio Divina is a common way for monks to pray the Scriptures. They meditate on a single scripture passage throughout the day.
When I saw a priest for spiritual direction, he suggested that I use Lectio Divina for journaling. The scriptural passage becomes the first line in the journal for the day. Don’t judge what you write.
His suggestion was to begin with the New Testament, with Romans.

Because I was once a lifeguard, one of the most interesting entries came while reflecting on the passage where Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water with Him. Peter sank when he took his off Our Lord.
When I was first taught lifesaving, we were taught to always keep our eyes on the victim. Training methods changed so that the rescuer can put his/her head underwater for short periods ever mindful of the goal.
My journal entry had me walking on the water and reaching back to the people in the boat.

Your reflection could deal with how you feel about something that happened that day. Just let your writing take you where it will.
The first time I used Scripture for journalling was on a private retreat, and that is exactly what I was told. I was given the specific passages to read, and told simply to write what came to mind. No judging allowed.

Wow, thank you for your thoughtful reply! Great ideas!

 

[ConfusedLucy]

Whatever seems appropriate. Mostly prayers but sometimes a Bible passage that jumps out at me and I sometimes copy prayers from here that I haven’t heard before.