Journal Writing Ideas

I'd like to offer you several journal writing ideas to help you get started on the path of Christian journaling.


I think you may be surprised by the unusual impact that making journals can have on your life.


It's my personal opinion that because of the day in which we are living, we just don't take the time to really think deeply like they used to in generations gone before us.

Be honest with yourself. When was the last time you really sat and just meditated on a passage of Scripture, or perhaps on the nature or character of God?


For most of us, myself included, we just don't practice this often enough. I'm not talking about meditation in the "new age" sense of the word.

I'm referring to the "age-old" sense of meditating, as mentioned so many times in the Psalms.


Meditating isn't emptying your mind of all thought and leaving yourself open to any thought or spirit that would like to influence you. Instead, I believe that true meditation is when we choose something to think about and then pause to really truly think about it as seriously as we can - like chewing on that thought really well, getting all the juice and flavor out of it.

What does meditation have to do with journal writing ideas? I'm glad you asked! :)

Christian journaling is a way to slow us down. It causes us to stop and really think. Before you write, you have to think about something.

When making journals, you don't have to be a great writer, but you'll find that you will become a greater thinker. The better your thinking becomes, the better your living will become. That's my ultimate goal as a Christian.  I want to live more like my King and Savior.

If you've never created a journal before, take a few minutes and read "How to write a journal." That article touches on the very basics of getting started when making journals.

Journal Writing Ideas

There are many different approaches when considering what kind of journal you'd like to keep.  One is not 'better' than another; just different.  I'm going to give a some examples, but don't worry so much about which you choose first. 

Pick one and start!  You can always take a different approach the next time if you find yourself falling into a rut or losing interest. 

Some of you may want to have more than one journal going at a time. Maybe you'll keep a journal on blessings and a topical journal about a particular book of the Bible or subject matter.  You choose! 

1. Prayer Journal - One of the easiest types of journals to start with is a prayer journal.
   
   I've used two different kinds of prayer journals myself. The first was a journal where I recorded prayer requests and then the answers to prayer when they come through.
   
   The second form of prayer journal is when you actually write your prayers to the Lord, rather as if you were writing Him a letter. You'll be surprised how lovely it is to read over those thoughts and prayers in the future.
   
   
   
2. Study A Particular Book - Choose a book of the Bible that you would like to focus on for your spiritual journaling. Psalms and Proverbs are two of my favorites to start with.
   
   As you read through the book (even just a few verses per day) really think about what you are reading and how it applies to you personally. Write down these thoughts each day.
   
   
   
3. Devotional Companion - Using a journal in conjunction with a devotional book is another option you may want to consider. Ladies, you might like to read Daughters of Sarah and then take notes in your journal of your own personal thoughts regarding the Scriptures being discussed and what the Holy Spirit is teaching you.
   
   There are also a number of other inspirational devotional books that you could choose from to help you begin spiritual journaling.
   
   
   
4. Topical Journal - Choose a subject to focus on for your journal. Here are a few topic examples:
   
   

These are just a few of my favorite journal writing ideas. If you already have experience in making journals, share some of your own creative journaling ideas with us.

Maybe you'd like to share how using a journal to record your thoughts made you more focused and able to glean more from your daily Bible reading.   I'd love to hear from you. 

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