I co-wrote these guides for the Fayetteville Prayer Room with my friend, Lana, who guides contemplative prayer gatherings here.
Prayer Journaling with Scripture
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
When you read the Bible, does a verse or phrase ever stand out with fresh meaning or glow with sudden clarity? Perhaps you have experienced an epiphany, a height of joy, a feeling of peace or deep conviction while reading. That is the Holy Spirit preparing to teach you through His living and active Word! You can steward the moment by pausing to journal. In other words, you can let God interrupt your Bible study.
Of course, God can interrupt any Bible reading, but you can also ask Him to speak to you. Grab a pen, paper and Bible. Pray, “Holy Spirit, I submit my mind and heart to you. Please speak to me today.” Read and, if a verse stands out, pause and copy it on your page.
As you copy, questions, ideas or impressions may emerge in your mind. Let thoughts flow freely out of your pen. God may bring pictures, song lyrics, metaphors, memories or other Bible verses to your mind. Write those down too.
Sometimes your entries will be theological in nature, speaking mostly to your mind. At other times, you may sense God’s presence in your body- comforting you,
strengthening you or increasing your faith. And sometimes, the Lord will engage your heart, bringing emotions to the surface so He can heal you and give the freedom, wholeness and abundance He has promised.
Give yourself permission to get messy without expecting a tidy conclusion. Write out your honest response to God and His loving response to you. You might sit back minutes later with wisdom on your page that did not come from you!
Expect to experience paradigm shifts this way. God often teaches bit by bit through a series of entries. Then, one day, He strings them all together to blow your mind, reshape your thinking and transform your life.
Recommended scriptures for journaling: Exodus 34, 1 Kings 8, Isaiah 61, John 15, Psalm 63, or 91.
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