The purpose of journal writing is…
· for discovery- not a justification for “my way.”
· It is a source of growth-not for standing still.
· It helps to clarify our thoughts, wishes, responses and prayers.
· It is a tool for helping us realize and meet the questions of our lives.
· It can assist you in seeing possibilities and choices
· It helps us in finding patterns of our responses and choices- some of which may be automatic in the way we respond
General directions in journal writing
· Journal writing is NOT an autobiography. It is ideas, dialog with God, reactions to situations etc.
· A spiritual journal is for you alone! If you have the expectation that someone will see the contents of your journal, your writing will change to meet another’s expectations. It is for your eyes only!
· Good journal writing is a dialog with God. That means it can be prayer at times but many times, we tell God our inmost secrets and then wait to listen.
· We must be brutally honest in our writings. There is no one to impress. God knows all and loves us furiously. We just have to sometimes peel off our layers of defense and trust in Him.
· Review and re-read your entries periodically to find commonalities and to look at yourself dispassionately when you are not in that moment, crisis, or emotionally involved.
· If journaling about scripture or another occurrence in your life, identify the “hot button” issue or what triggers a response from you and bring that to prayer and your journal. Try to find out, the “why” you react the way you do, what its meaning for you and how you respond.
· Share with your Spiritual Advisor/Director the issues that you find difficult in your journal.
What you need:
· an empty notebook or journal. Find something without pictures, quotes etc to distract you. The plainer the better. Keep the notebook securely so that no one but you has access to you.
· a pen
· a quiet place for quiet time when you are fresh and not tired.
· a bible or spiritual classic
· a safe place to keep your journal since it is “for your eyes only.”
Process: Pray, Write, Read, Reflect
· In quiet/collect yourself to be open to hear God’s responses to you.
· Begin with a prayer (I suggest Francis’ Prayer before the Crucifix prayed slowly and quietly followed by your own request to the Holy Spirit to guide you.)
· Then just write. Write what troubles you, what excites you, what surprises you, your thoughts. Share with God.
· Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or handwriting. This is between you and God.
· Reflect back to older writings periodically. Bring to prayer.
For Further Reference:
https://fscaston.org/
Harry J. Cargas and Radley, Roger J. “Keeping a Spiritual Journal.” Garden City, N.Y.:Doubleday and Co. 1981. (This book is out of print)
Examples of Spiritual Journals:
Gabrielle Bossis’ He and I;
Gaston Courtois’ When the Lord Speaks to Your Heart
Helena Burns’ He Speaks to You;
Jean LaFrance’s Pray to Your Father in Secret
The Autobiography of a Soul
Interior Castle
Divine Mercy in My Soul
Thank you to
Francine Gikow, ofs
National Formation Commission-OFS USA
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