By Elizabeth N. Jordahl

 “Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
 - Psalms 90:12 (NIV)

        On and off throughout my life, I have had a journaling practice. Sometimes it has been a very consistent practice of morning pages (a practice created by Julia Cameron). Other times it has been a much more sporadic keeping of some thoughts written down on random and inconsistent days. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding moments of stillness can be a challenge.

If you are like me, it can feel like every day I am seeking to balance our roles and responsibilities while nurturing my spiritual growth and internal life. One way that continues to help me, is when I put time and energy into journaling. Writing can be a profound tool for reflection, prayer, and connection with God. It can also be a great way to deal with my busy days, emotions, and find time just for myself.

Benefits of Daily Journal Practice

“Keeping a journal of what’s going on in your life is a good way to help you distill what’s important and what’s not.” - Martina Navratilova

 There are so many benefits to writing and journaling daily! Here are just a few. Writing allows you to pour out your heart to God in a way that can be unique to you. Whether you’re journaling your prayers, jotting down your reflections on Scripture, or recording your spiritual journey, writing helps you express yourself and grow your relationship with God.

Life can be overwhelming, and writing provides a safe space to process your thoughts and feelings. By articulating your struggles, joys, and questions, you gain clarity and perspective, which helps you navigate life’s challenges with faith.

A writing practice helps you remember important moments or even track how you are doing over time. Looking back on your entries, you can see how God has been working in your life, transforming your heart, and guiding your path. Your journaling can be so helpful for seeing patterns or looking back to see how far you have come!

Getting Started with Your Writing Practice

        If you want to get started, here are a few things that can help!

First, choose a specific time each day for your writing practice, or maybe a timeframe that will mostly work every day. It could be early in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency is key. Even if it’s just ten minutes a day, dedicating that time solely to writing can make a significant difference. I prefer writing first thing when I wake up, before the busyness of the day catches up to me!

Then you can find a quiet and comfortable place where you can write without interruptions. It could be a cozy corner of your home, a spot in your favorite park, or even a quaint coffee shop. Having a designated space helps you mentally prepare for writing. I have a cozy chair with a shelf next to it. That’s where I keep all my pens, journals, and books.

If you’re unsure where to start, there are a few different options! I prefer to do morning pages per Julia Cameron. She suggests that you write three pages of whatever is in your head. Almost as if you are just sharing and writing your thoughts. If that doesn’t work for you, you could also use writing prompts or choose a verse to start with. Reflect on a Bible verse that resonates with you, or write about a recent experience and how you saw God’s hand in it. Prompts can help you delve deeper into your thoughts and experiences. Find a system that works for you!

Don’t forget! Your journaling practice is not for anyone else. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or how it sounds. Focus on being honest and vulnerable. Pour out your heart, your fears, your dreams, and your prayers. This authenticity is what makes the practice powerful and transformative. Just write! And enjoy the process.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Practice

“Write about what really interests you, whether it is real or imaginary things, and nothing else.” - C.S. Lewis

        Sometimes the hardest part of having a journaling practice is keeping it going. Life gets busy and we can put our own needs or routines on the back burner. But don’t give up! Remember, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Your writing doesn’t have to be profound or lengthy. Some days, a few sentences or a single page might be all you can do. That’s ok!

If you get bored or discouraged with journaling, try mixing up your writing practice with different formats. Write letters, compose poems, jot down lists, or even doodle. This variety keeps the practice engaging and allows you to express yourself in diverse ways.

Periodically, go back and read your previous entries. Reflect on how you’ve grown and what you’ve learned. This retrospective practice can deepen your gratitude and awareness. It can also remind you why journaling is so helpful and important to you in the first place.

What’s Next

Incorporating a daily writing practice into your routine can be a transformative experience. I can tell the difference it makes in my life! If I go too long without journaling, I feel more tense and more at odds with my life. When I am consistent with my morning journaling, I find that I am more patient, and have more joy.

Journaling is a way to connect more deeply with God, process your thoughts and emotions, and document your spiritual journey. I hope that this blog post helps you to embrace this practice as a means of nurturing your faith and finding peace amidst the chaos. Remember, writing and journaling can be whatever you need it to be, a sacred time to listen, reflect, and grow. So, grab your journal, find your quiet space, and let your words flow. Happy journaling!