Journaling Prayer

Listening/imaging prayer are important. Don’t forget what God tells you–write it down.

One of the most important things you can do for your imaging prayer is to record it. If you already keep a journal then add your prayer experiences to it. If you have not kept a journal before, then this is the perfect time to start one.

Your journal can take many forms: it can be a bound, blank book, or loose-leaf pages gathered into a binder, or a spiral-bound notebook, or a computer file. Use whatever tool is most comfortable for you. Don’t be concerned with handwriting (unless you absolutely cannot read your own) or spelling or sentence structure.

What can you write in the journal about your imaging prayers? Start with writing down what you experienced. Even if you stop there, you have honored your prayer time by writing it down. Ask God to help you understand what he wants you to know.

Ask yourself questions about your experience. What was your mood in the prayer? How do you feel now? Did you resist a situation? Did something upset you? Did something surprise you? Turn over all of your feelings to Christ.

If you want to go deeper, you can use visual art or writing. Write a poem or a story, sculpt or paint. You can also find a physical object to symbolize your encounter. A seashell might symbolize you and Jesus by the seaside as he says, “Follow Me.” A cross might symbolize an encounter with Jesus at his Crucifixion.

List anything that God wants you to do as a result of the prayer. These tasks may center on healing, relationships, the fruits of the Spirit, courage, picking up your cross to follow Jesus, your spiritual gifts – however God is working with you.