Spiritual Journaling:  The Why and How


Keeping a spiritual journal can be a means of deepening our relationship with the Lord.  By jotting down our thoughts, insights and emotions, we “remember” them, and they become a source of review when determining where we’ve been and where we’re going in the spiritual life. 
 
Some of the benefits of keeping a spiritual journal are:

• Growing in self-understanding
• Deepening our awareness of God’s actions in our lives
• Clarifying our thoughts, beliefs and values
• Setting goals for ourselves
• Recording memories of God’s movement in our lives

 
Some things to remember about spiritual journaling:

• Journaling is NOT a diary; it’s a prayer
• Suggestion:  write in a notebook rather than use an electronic device
• Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation or spelling; this isn’t a test!
• Let the words flow from your heart; don’t try to figure out what or how to write

 
Some things you might record in your spiritual journal:

• Insights, revelations; awareness of our sinfulness and God’s goodness
• God’s answers to your prayers
• Spiritual/behavioral struggles
• Disappointments, hurt, sorrows; victories, healings, joys
• Praise and Thanksgiving
• Special spiritual experiences (retreats, insightful moments, awe of nature, etc.)

 
Journaling has a long history in the Catholic Church.  Many saints have kept their own spiritual journals (St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Ignatius Loyola, Mother Teresa, Pope St. John XXIII).  Perhaps you might want to read one of these as a source of inspiration for your own soul’s journey to a better and deeper relationship with God.  HAPPY JOURNALING!