How to Journal and Hear God

Writing is an excellent way to connect with God. He is the Word! His love letter, the Bible, is proof that writing is important to Him. The scribes of old brought us the message of the gospel. Ancient scrolls are still being found which contain the words of life and bear witness to the truth.

How can writing benefit your relationship with God? By journaling. 

Journaling is a form of interactive and reflective prayer and meditation of the Scripture. 

How to journal:

1. Get into prayer mode: Ask God to cleanse You and fill You afresh with His Spirit.

2. Choose a Psalm or begin with the book of John. 

3. Start with one verse.

For example, Let's choose John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

4. With paper and pen available, begin to focus on the Lord.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what this verse means focusing on each word. 

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26). As we remain in Him, the anointing will enlighten us (I John 2:27). 

6. Begin to write down everything that comes to your mind. (You will be surprised how much you write down!) 

7. Ask the Holy Spirit further questions, but stay focused on this verse! 

This exercise will feed your mind and your spirit, you will begin to experience that "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" and find "rest for your souls." Warning: This form of study and listening prayer can be very addicting!

I would love to hear from you on this topic!

How to Pray Scripture

You can pray Scripture over your own life or the lives of others.

Paul prayed an awesome prayer for the church at Ephesus which gives us a praying Scripture example. It is found in Ephesians 1:17-23.

Dear Father God, I pray for _______________ that You will give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray that the eyes of ______________ understanding would be enlightened so they will know the hope of the calling of Christi Jesus and the riches of the glory of Christ Jesus’ inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power which You used to raise Christ Jesus from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named,  not only in this age but also in the age which is to come. Amen.

The Psalms are a great source for prayer. David freely connects with God with his heartfelt feelings. Any possible emotion experienced can be found in its pages. By reading the Psalms and understanding the thoughts of King David, "a man after God's own heart," you will realize what God desires from your own heart.

See Psalms 139 and 91.

Increasing Prayer in Your Life

(Psalm 5:3; 69:13; Matthew 7:7; 26:41; Luke 18:1; John 16:24)

Prayer is just like talking to a friend. When you pray, share your heart with the Lord and listen with your heart to what He might impress upon you.

Set aside a time each day to focus on the Lord and communicate with Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in your prayers.

Pray to God anytime you are worried about something or someone.

Listen to praise or worship music that focuses on God and think about Him.

Thank God for all the blessings in your life.

Pray with other believers.

Read prayers aloud from the Psalms that you feel drawn to.

Read and pray Scripture.

Pray with your children or other family members on a regular basis. (At meals; before school, at bedtime, etc.)

Set the alarm on your phone or watch to pray for five minutes a few times a day.

Start a prayer journal listing your requests to the Lord. Mark and date when they get answered and what He did in response.

You may wish to express prayer or communication with God through writing, drawing, or other creative avenues. The point is to connect with Him.

He eagerly desires to meet with You!